You shouldn’t have to sacrifice comfort or empty your wallet to keep your home at a refreshing temp during warm days.
But what is the ideal temp, exactly? We go over recommendations from energy pros so you can choose the best setting for your loved ones.
Here’s what we recommend for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Thousand Palms.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most families find placing the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a big difference between your interior and outside temps, your electricity expenses will be larger.
This is our advice based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
While at home: 78 degrees. While that appears hot, there are methods you can keep your home refreshing without having the air conditioning going constantly.
Keeping windows and window treatments shut during the day keeps cold air where it belongs—within your home. Some window treatments, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to offer extra insulation and better energy savings.
If you have ceiling fans in your home, the DOE says you can raise thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees hotter without sacrificing comfort. That’s because they refresh through a windchill effect. As they cool people, not areas, switch them off when you exit a room.
If 78 degrees still appears too warm initially, try running an experiment for approximately a week. Begin by increasing your setting to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, progressively lower it while following the tips above. You could be surprised at how comfortable you feel at a hotter temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no need to keep the air conditioner running all day while your home is empty. Switching the temp 7–10 degrees warmer can save you anywhere from 5–15% on your AC bills, according to the DOE.
When you come home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your house faster. This isn’t productive and usually produces a more expensive air conditioner cost.
A programmable thermostat is a good approach to keep your temperature under control, but it requires setting programs. If you don’t set programs, you might forget to move the set temperature when you take off.
If you’re looking for a hassle-free fix, think about getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at home and when you’re out. Then it intuitively changes temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? About $180 annually on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another benefit of having a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to watch and change temperature settings from just about anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR recommends 82 degrees, that may be unpleasant for the majority of families. Most people sleep better when their sleeping space is cold, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation recommends 65–68 degrees. But that may be too cool, based on your clothing and blanket preference.
We suggest following a comparable test over a week, moving your temperature higher and progressively turning it down to pinpoint the right setting for your residence. On cool nights, you might learn keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a better idea than running the air conditioning.
More Ways to Conserve Energy This Summer
There are additional ways you can save money on energy bills throughout the summer.
- Buy an energy-efficient cooling 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 more comfortable while keeping utility expenses low.
- Book yearly air conditioner service. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit working like it should and might help it operate more efficiently. It could also help lengthen its life expectancy, since it enables techs to pinpoint small troubles before they create a major meltdown.
- Change air filters frequently. Follow manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A dusty filter can lead to your system short cycling, or switch on and off too frequently, and increase your electricity.
- Check attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of homes in the USA don’t have adequate 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 come apart over time can leak cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create major comfort troubles in your home, including hot and cold spots.
- Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep humid air in its place by closing openings. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more conditioned air inside.
Save More Energy During Warm Weather with Marios Air Conditioning
If you want to use less energy this summer, our Marios Air Conditioning pros can assist you. Reach us at 760-766-2294 or contact us online for more details about our energy-saving cooling products.