You shouldn’t be forced to compromise on comfort or drain your wallet to keep your residence at a pleasant temperature during the summer.
But what is the ideal temp, exactly? We go over advice from energy experts so you can select the best setting for your loved ones.
Here’s what we advise for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Milledgeville and Middle Georgia.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most people find placing the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a sizeable difference between your indoor and outdoor temperatures, your AC costs 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 appears hot, there are methods you can keep your residence pleasant without having the air conditioner running frequently.
Keeping windows and blinds shut during the day keeps cool air where it belongs—inside. Some window coverings, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to deliver extra insulation and improved energy conservation.
If you have ceiling fans in your house, the DOE says you can increase thermostat settings about 4 degrees hotter without compromising comfort. That’s since they cool with a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not areas, turn them off when you exit a room.
If 78 degrees still seems too uncomfortable at first glance, try doing a test for a week or so. Begin by upping your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, progressively turn it down while adhering to the ideas above. You may be astonished at how refreshed you feel at a hotter temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no need to keep the air conditioner going all day while your home is empty. Switching the temp 7–10 degrees hotter can save you anywhere from 5–15% on your electrical expenses, according to the DOE.
When you arrive home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat below 78 to cool your house more rapidly. This isn’t effective and typically produces a more expensive AC bill.
A programmable thermostat is a helpful approach to keep your settings under control, but it requires setting programs. If you don’t use programs, you might forget to increase the set temperature when you take off.
If you need a hassle-free fix, think about installing a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at your house and when you’re out. Then it intuitively adjusts temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? Typically $180 each year 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 advises 82 degrees, that might be unpleasant for many families. The majority of people sleep better when their sleeping area is chilled, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation advises 60–67 degrees. But that might be too chilly, depending on your pajama and blanket preference.
We recommend following a comparable test over a week, putting your thermostat higher and gradually turning it down to determine the right setting for your residence. On pleasant nights, you might learn keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a preferable solution than running the air conditioner.
More Approaches to Save Energy During Hot Weather
There are added methods you can save money on cooling bills throughout the summer.
- Upgrade to an energy-efficient air conditioning system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and become less efficient as they get older. An updated air conditioner can keep your residence comfier while keeping utility costs down.
- Book annual air conditioner service. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment operating like it should and might help it run more efficiently. It could also help prolong its life cycle, since it allows professionals to spot small troubles before they create a major meltdown.
- Replace air filters regularly. Use manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A dirty filter can result in your system short cycling, or run too frequently, and raise your cooling.
- Check attic insulation levels. Just about 90% of houses in the U.S. don’t have enough insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. The majority of southern climates require 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates need 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork inspected. Ductwork that has loosened over time can let cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can result in major comfort problems in your home, such as hot and cold spots.
- Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep humid air where it belongs by closing holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more cool air inside.
Save More Energy During Hot Weather with Air Concepts of Middle Georgia
If you want to use less energy during warm weather, our Air Concepts of Middle Georgia experts can help. Give us a call at 478-200-5689 or contact us online for additional info about our energy-saving cooling solutions.