You shouldn’t need to sacrifice comfort or spend a lot to keep your home at a pleasant temp during hot days.
But what is the best setting, exactly? We go over recommendations from energy experts so you can select the best temperature for your family.
Here’s what we advise for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in the Rio Grande Valley.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most families find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees provides ideal comfort. However, if there’s a big difference between your inside and exterior temps, your AC expenses will be greater.
These are our suggestions based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
While at home: 78 degrees. While that appears too high, there are ways you can keep your house pleasant without having the AC on all the time.
Keeping windows and curtains down during the day keeps chilled air where it should be—indoors. Some window treatments, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to deliver extra insulation and better energy conservation.
If you have ceiling fans in your home, the DOE says you can increase thermostat settings about 4 degrees warmer without compromising comfort. That’s since they cool with a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not areas, switch them off when you leave a room.
If 78 degrees still seems too uncomfortable at first glance, try conducting a test for a week or so. Start by upping your setting to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, gradually decrease it while following the advice above. You could be surprised at how cool you feel at a higher temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no reason to keep the air conditioner working all day while your home is unoccupied. Moving the temperature 7¬¬–10 degrees hotter 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 colder than 78 to cool your residence more rapidly. This isn’t productive and usually results in a bigger electricity cost.
A programmable thermostat is a useful way to keep your temperature under control, but you have to set programs. If you don’t set programs, you might forget to change the set temperature when you go.
If you want a convenient solution, 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 away. Then it intuitively adjusts temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? Typically $180 annually on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another advantage of installing a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to keep an eye on and adjust temperature settings from just about anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR suggests 82 degrees, that might be unpleasant for most families. Many people sleep better when their sleeping area is chilly, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation advises 60–67 degrees. But that could be too cool, due to your PJ and blanket preference.
We advise using a similar test over a week, moving your temperature higher and steadily lowering it to pinpoint the right temp for your family. On mild nights, you may find keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a preferable idea than running the air conditioner.
More Ways to Conserve Energy During Warm Weather
There are additional methods you can spend less money on AC bills throughout the summer.
- Upgrade to an energy-efficient AC system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and become less efficient as they become older. An updated air conditioner can keep your home cooler while keeping AC
costs small. - Set regular AC tune-ups. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit working like it should and could help it run at greater efficiency. It might also help prolong its life cycle, since it helps techs to spot seemingly insignificant problems before they lead to an expensive meltdown.
- Change air filters often. Read manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A dusty filter can result in your system short cycling, or run too frequently, and increase your electricity
expenses. - Check attic insulation levels. Just about 90% of houses in the U.S. don’t have proper insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Many southern climates need 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates need 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork examined. Ductwork that has loosened over the years can seep cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create major comfort problems in your house, such as hot and cold spots.
- Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep hot air where it belongs by sealing holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more cold air within your home.
Conserve More Energy This Summer with Cytech Heating & Cooling L.C.
If you need to use less energy during hot weather, our Cytech Heating & Cooling L.C. specialists can assist you. Reach us at 956-630-3522 or contact us online for additional information about our energy-conserving cooling solutions.