You shouldn’t be forced to compromise on comfort or empty your wallet to keep your residence at a pleasant temp during hot days.
But what is the right setting, exactly? We review advice from energy experts so you can determine the best temperature for your family.
Here’s what we suggest for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Tomball.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most people find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a big difference between your indoor and outdoor warmth, your utility expenses will be higher.
These are our recommendations based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
While at home: 78 degrees. While that appears too high, there are approaches you can keep your home cool without having the air conditioner running frequently.
Keeping windows and blinds shut during the day keeps cool air where it needs to be—inside. Some window solutions, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to give more insulation and better energy savings.
If you have ceiling fans in your home, the DOE says you can move thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees hotter without compromising comfort. That’s due to the fact they cool through a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not rooms, shut them off when you move from a room.
If 78 degrees still feels too warm initially, try doing a test for about a week. Start by raising your setting to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, steadily lower it while following the ideas above. You could be surprised at how refreshed you feel at a warmer temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no need to keep the air conditioner going all day while your house is empty. Turning the temp 7¬¬–10 degrees warmer can save you as much as 5–15% on your cooling costs, according to the DOE.
When you come home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat below 78 to cool your residence more rapidly. This isn’t useful and usually leads to a higher electrical bills.
A programmable thermostat is a useful approach to keep your temp under control, but it requires setting programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you risk forgetting to move the set temperature when you take off.
If you want a handy fix, think over 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 instinctively adjusts temperature settings for the best savings. How much exactly? Typically $180 yearly on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another advantage of installing 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 suggests 82 degrees, that may be too uncomfortable for most families. Many people sleep better when their sleeping space is chilled, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation advises 60–67 degrees. But that could be too chilly, due to your PJ and blanket preference.
We advise running a similar test over a week, putting your temperature higher and gradually decreasing it to find the ideal temperature for your family. On cool nights, you could learn keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a preferable option than running the AC.
More Methods to Save Energy During Warm Weather
There are additional approaches you can spend less money on cooling bills throughout warm weather.
- Install an energy-efficient air conditioning system. Central air conditioners only are effective for about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they get older. An updated air conditioner can keep your home more comfortable while keeping electricity
costs small. - Book annual AC tune-ups. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your system working smoothly and might help it run more efficiently. It may also help extend its life expectancy, since it enables techs to spot small troubles before they create a big meltdown.
- Change air filters frequently. Follow manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A clogged filter can cause your system to short cycle, or turn on and off too frequently, and increase your electricity
expenses. - Check attic insulation levels. Just about 90% of houses in the United States don’t have proper 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 checked. Ductwork that has loosened over the years can seep cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can result in big comfort troubles in your residence, such as hot and cold spots.
- Seal openings, doors and windows. Keep hot air where it should be by closing openings. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more cool air indoors.
Conserve More Energy During Hot Weather with Premium Air Services LLC
If you are looking to use less energy during hot weather, our Premium Air Services LLC specialists can provide assistance. Reach us at 713-364-9957 or contact us online for additional information about our energy-conserving cooling solutions.