You shouldn’t need to compromise on comfort or spend a lot to keep your home at a pleasant setting during warm days.
But what is the right temp, exactly? We discuss recommendations from energy professionals so you can choose the best temperature for your residence.
Here’s what we recommend for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Port St. Lucie.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most households find placing the thermostat at 72-73 degrees provides ideal comfort. However, if there’s a sizeable difference between your inside and outdoor temps, your cooling costs will be bigger.
This is our advice based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
While at home: 78 degrees. While that seems warm, there are approaches you can keep your home pleasant without having the air conditioner on frequently.
Keeping windows and blinds shut during the day keeps cold air where it should be—inside. Some window treatments, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to offer more insulation and enhanced energy savings.
If you have ceiling fans in your home, the DOE says you can increase thermostat temps about 4 degrees higher without giving up comfort. That’s because they refresh with a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not spaces, turn them off when you move from a room.
If 78 degrees still seems too hot initially, try running a test for approximately a week. Begin by raising your setting to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, progressively lower it while adhering to the tips above. You might be surprised at how cool you feel at a hotter temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no need to keep the AC going all day while your home is vacant. Moving the setting 7–10 degrees higher can save you an estimated 5–15% on your electricity bills, according to the DOE.
When you arrive home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat under 78 to cool your home more quickly. This isn’t productive and typically results in a bigger electricity bill.
A programmable thermostat is a helpful way to keep your temp in check, but it requires setting programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you run the risk of forgetting to raise the set temperature when you leave.
If you need a convenient fix, think over getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it knows when you’re at your house and when you’re gone. Then it instinctively adjusts temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? About $180 yearly on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another perk of installing a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to keep an eye on and regulate temperature settings from almost anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR advises 82 degrees, that may be unbearable for most families. Many people sleep better when their bedroom is chilled, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation recommends 60–67 degrees. But that could be too cool, based on your pajama and blanket preference.
We suggest running a similar test over a week, putting your temperature higher and gradually decreasing it to find the best temp for your family. On pleasant nights, you might find keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a better option than operating the AC.
More Methods to Save Energy During Warm Weather
There are additional methods you can conserve money on energy bills throughout warm weather.
- Get an energy-efficient air conditioning system. Central air conditioners only work for about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they become older. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your residence comfier while keeping utility expenses low.
- Book regular air conditioner tune-ups. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit working properly and may help it run at greater efficiency. It may also help lengthen its life cycle, since it enables technicians to uncover seemingly insignificant issues before they lead to a major meltdown.
- Put in new air filters regularly. Follow manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A clogged filter can lead to your system short cycling, or run too often, and raise your electricity.
- Measure attic insulation levels. Just about 90% of homes in the U.S. don’t have proper insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. The majority of southern climates need 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates should have 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork examined. Ductwork that has loosened over time can leak cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create huge comfort issues in your house, such as hot and cold spots.
- Seal openings, doors and windows. Keep hot air where it belongs by closing holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more cool air inside.
Conserve More Energy During Warm Weather with Custom Air Systems Inc
If you are looking to conserve more energy during hot weather, our Custom Air Systems Inc professionals can help. Get in touch with us at 772-247-2283 or contact us online for extra info about our energy-saving cooling products.
