You shouldn’t have to compromise on comfort or drain your wallet to keep your residence at the right temperature during muggy weather.
But what is the best setting, exactly? We go over suggestions from energy experts so you can determine the best temperature for your loved ones.
Here’s what we advise for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in McAllen.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most people find placing the thermostat at 72-73 degrees provides ideal comfort. However, if there’s a sizeable difference between your inside and outdoor temperatures, your electricity expenses 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 sounds too high, there are methods you can keep your house refreshing without having the AC on frequently.
Keeping windows and blinds shut during the day keeps cold air where it needs to be—inside. Some window coverings, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to provide more insulation and improved energy savings.
If you have ceiling fans in your house, the DOE says you can increase thermostat settings about 4 degrees warmer without giving up comfort. That’s due to the fact they cool with a windchill effect. As they cool people, not spaces, turn them off when you move from a room.
If 78 degrees still seems too warm on the surface, try running a trial for a week or so. Start by raising your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, gradually decrease it while adhering to the suggestions above. You may be shocked at how refreshed you feel at a higher temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the AC on all day while your residence is unoccupied. Switching the temp 7–10 degrees higher can save you an estimated 5–15% on your air conditioning costs, according to the DOE.
When you come home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your house more rapidly. This isn’t useful and often results in a higher cooling expense.
A programmable thermostat is a helpful method to keep your temp controlled, but it requires setting programs. If you don’t use programs, you risk forgetting to move the set temperature when you take off.
If you need a handy remedy, think over getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it knows when you’re at your residence and when you’re away. Then it instinctively adjusts temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? Typically $180 annually on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another advantage of using a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to monitor and change temperature settings from just about 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 sleeping space is cold, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation recommends 60–67 degrees. But that could be too chilly, due to your PJ and blanket preference.
We suggest following a similar test over a week, setting your temp higher and gradually turning it down to determine the ideal temperature for your family. On cool nights, you might find keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a superior idea than running the air conditioning.
More Approaches to Conserve Energy During Warm Weather
There are added methods you can conserve money on cooling bills throughout the summer.
- Install 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 cooler while keeping utility expenses down.
- Schedule yearly air conditioner maintenance. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment running properly and might help it work at greater efficiency. It might also help prolong its life cycle, since it enables pros to discover seemingly insignificant issues before they create a major meltdown.
- Put in new air filters often. Follow manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A dusty filter can lead to your system short cycling, or run too often, and drive up your electrical.
- Measure attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of homes in the USA don’t have adequate insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Most southern climates need 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates require 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork checked. Ductwork that has loosened over time can seep cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to huge comfort issues in your home, including hot and cold spots.
- Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep muggy air where it belongs by sealing openings. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more cold air within your home.
Conserve More Energy During Warm Weather with Cytech Heating & Cooling L.C.
If you need to conserve more energy during warm weather, our Cytech Heating & Cooling L.C. specialists can assist you. Get in touch with us at 956-553-3265 or contact us online for more info about our energy-saving cooling options.