You shouldn’t need to give up comfort or spend a lot to keep your home at a pleasant temperature during muggy weather.
But what is the right temperature, exactly? We discuss advice from energy professionals so you can choose the best temp for your house.
Here’s what we advise for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Huntsville.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most people find setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a huge difference between your interior and outdoor temps, your electrical costs will be larger.
These are our recommendations based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
While at home: 78 degrees. While that appears too high, there are methods you can keep your house cool without having the air conditioner going frequently.
Keeping windows and blinds shut during the day keeps cold air where it belongs—within your home. Some window coverings, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to give extra insulation and improved energy conservation.
If you have ceiling fans in your home, the DOE says you can move thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees warmer without giving up comfort. That’s since they freshen with a windchill effect. As they cool people, not spaces, turn them off when you exit a room.
If 78 degrees still seems too hot on the surface, try conducting a trial for approximately a week. Get started by increasing your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, steadily turn it down while adhering to the tips above. You might be astonished at how cool you feel at a higher temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no need to keep the air conditioning working all day while your home is empty. Turning the temp 7–10 degrees hotter can save you as much as 5–15% on your cooling expenses, according to the DOE.
When you get home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat below 78 to cool your house faster. This isn’t productive and often results in a bigger air conditioner expense.
A programmable thermostat is a good approach to keep your settings in check, but it requires setting programs. If you don’t use programs, you run the risk of forgetting to increase the set temperature when you leave.
If you want a handy remedy, consider getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat works with with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at home and when you’re out. Then it instinctively modifies temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? Usually $180 annually on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another plus of having a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to monitor and adjust temperature settings from just about anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR advises 82 degrees, that may be too uncomfortable for most families. The majority of people sleep better when their bedroom is chilled, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation advises 60–67 degrees. But that might be too chilly, due to your pajama and blanket preference.
We suggest running a comparable test over a week, putting your thermostat higher and steadily turning it down to locate the best setting for your residence. On pleasant nights, you might find keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a better option than using the air conditioning.
More Ways to Save Energy During Warm Weather
There are other ways you can spend less money on AC bills throughout the summer.
- Install an energy-efficient AC system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and become less efficient as they age. A new air conditioner can keep your house comfier while keeping AC expenses small.
- Schedule regular air conditioner maintenance. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit working properly and might help it run more efficiently. It can also help lengthen its life expectancy, since it helps technicians to spot small issues before they create a major meltdown.
- Change air filters frequently. Use manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A dirty filter can cause your system to short cycle, or switch on and off too often, and raise your electrical.
- Check attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of houses in the U.S. don’t have enough 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 inspected. Ductwork that has come apart over time can seep cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to huge comfort issues in your house, such as hot and cold spots.
- Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep warm air in its place by sealing openings. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more conditioned air within your home.
Save More Energy During Warm Weather with All Weather Heating & Air Conditioning Inc
If you are looking to conserve more energy during hot weather, our All Weather Heating & Air Conditioning Inc specialists can help. Give us a call at 256-801-4701 or contact us online for additional info about our energy-saving cooling options.