You shouldn’t need to sacrifice comfort or empty your wallet to keep your home at a refreshing setting during warm days.
But what is the best temp, exactly? We discuss ideas from energy experts so you can choose the best setting for your loved ones.
Here’s what we suggest for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Sarasota.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most families find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a major difference between your indoor and exterior warmth, your AC expenses will be greater.
This is our advice based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
While at home: 78 degrees. While that sounds hot, there are approaches you can keep your home cool without having the air conditioner going constantly.
Keeping windows and curtains closed during the day keeps cool air where it needs to be—inside. Some window coverings, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to deliver more insulation and improved energy conservation.
If you have ceiling fans in your house, the DOE says you can increase thermostat settings about 4 degrees warmer without compromising comfort. That’s because they cool by a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not spaces, shut them off when you exit a room.
If 78 degrees still feels too hot on the surface, try doing a trial for about a week. Begin by increasing your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, steadily lower it while adhering to the ideas above. You could be astonished at how comfortable you feel at a higher temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no need to keep the air conditioner going all day while your house is unoccupied. Moving the temperature 7–10 degrees warmer can save you as much as 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 faster. This isn’t useful and often results in a bigger cooling expense.
A programmable thermostat is a good method to keep your temp under control, but you need to set programs. If you don’t set programs, you run the risk of forgetting to move the set temperature when you take off.
If you want a hassle-free remedy, consider getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat works with with your phone, so it knows when you’re at your house and when you’re out. Then it automatically modifies temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? About $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another plus of using a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to monitor and change temperature settings from almost anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR suggests 82 degrees, that could be unpleasant for most families. The majority of people sleep better when their bedroom is chilly, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation suggests 65–68 degrees. But that could be too cold, depending on your PJ and blanket preference.
We suggest running an equivalent test over a week, moving your temp higher and progressively decreasing it to determine the right temperature for your residence. On mild nights, you could learn keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a better option than running the air conditioner.
More Ways to Conserve Energy During Warm Weather
There are additional approaches you can spend less money on cooling bills throughout hot weather.
- Get an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only work for about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they get older. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your residence more comfortable while keeping utility costs down.
- Schedule annual air conditioner tune-ups. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your system operating like it should and could help it work at greater efficiency. It may also help lengthen its life span, since it enables technicians to pinpoint little issues before they cause a major meltdown.
- Put in new air filters regularly. Follow manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A clogged filter can lead to your system short cycling, or turn on and off too much, and increase your cooling.
- Inspect attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of residences in the USA don’t have enough insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Many southern climates require 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates should have 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork examined. Ductwork that has loosened over time can leak cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create major comfort issues in your residence, including hot and cold spots.
- Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep hot air in its place by sealing holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more cool air within your home.
Use Less Energy During Hot Weather with Airtech Cooling & Heating
If you want to use less energy this summer, our Airtech Cooling & Heating specialists can assist you. Get in touch with us at 941-377-7956 or contact us online for extra info about our energy-saving cooling solutions.