You shouldn’t be forced to give up comfort or empty your wallet to keep your house at the right setting during muggy weather.
But what is the right temperature, exactly? We discuss advice from energy specialists so you can find the best temperature for your family.
Here’s what we suggest for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Richmond.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most households find setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees provides ideal comfort. However, if there’s a big difference between your interior and outside temps, your AC bills will be larger.
These are our suggestions based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
While at home: 78 degrees. While that seems hot, there are ways you can keep your home refreshing without having the air conditioning going constantly.
Keeping windows and blinds down during the day keeps chilled air where it needs to be—indoors. Some window solutions, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to offer added insulation and better energy savings.
If you have ceiling fans in your home, the DOE says you can move thermostat temps about 4 degrees hotter without giving up comfort. That’s due to the fact they refresh through a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not areas, switch them off when you leave a room.
If 78 degrees still appears too warm initially, try running a trial for approximately a week. Begin by raising your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, gradually decrease it while adhering to the ideas above. You might be shocked at how comfortable you feel at a hotter temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the air conditioning on all day while your home is empty. Turning the temperature 7–10 degrees hotter can save you anywhere from 5–15% on your electrical costs, according to the DOE.
When you come home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your residence more quickly. This isn’t useful and typically produces a bigger cooling bill.
A programmable thermostat is a useful method to keep your settings under control, but you need to set programs. If you don’t set programs, you risk forgetting to change the set temperature when you go.
If you need a hassle-free solution, think over installing a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it is aware when you’re at home and when you’re out. Then it instinctively changes temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? An estimated $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 regulate temperature settings from almost anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR suggests 82 degrees, that may be too uncomfortable for many families. Most people sleep better when their sleeping space is chilly, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation suggests 60–67 degrees. But that might be too cold, due to your clothing and blanket preference.
We suggest following a similar test over a week, moving your temperature higher and slowly lowering it to pinpoint the best temp for your house. On cool nights, you may discover keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a superior idea than using the AC.
More Approaches to Use Less Energy During Warm Weather
There are extra approaches you can spend less money on energy bills throughout the summer.
- Get an energy-efficient air conditioning system. Central air conditioners only are effective for about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they age. An updated air conditioner can keep your house cooler while keeping utility expenses down.
- Book yearly air conditioner tune-ups. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your system running properly and may help it run more efficiently. It may also help prolong its life span, since it helps techs to pinpoint little troubles before they cause a major meltdown.
- Switch air filters frequently. Read manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A clogged filter can lead to your system short cycling, or run too much, and raise your energy.
- Measure attic insulation levels. Just about 90% of homes in the United States don’t have proper insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Most southern climates need 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates need 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork checked. Ductwork that has separated over time can seep cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create major comfort troubles in your residence, including hot and cold spots.
- Seal openings, doors and windows. Keep warm air where it belongs by sealing holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more conditioned air inside.
Conserve More Energy During Warm Weather with Refrigeration Systems Ltd.
If you are looking to save more energy during warm weather, our Refrigeration Systems Ltd. professionals can provide assistance. Reach us at 778-764-2026 or contact us online for additional info about our energy-saving cooling products.
