You shouldn’t be forced to compromise on comfort or empty your wallet to keep your home at a refreshing temperature during summer weather.
But what is the ideal temperature, exactly? We review suggestions from energy experts so you can choose the best setting for your home.
Here’s what we advise for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Port St. Lucie.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most households find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a sizeable difference between your inside and exterior warmth, your cooling expenses will be bigger.
These are our recommendations based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
While at home: 78 degrees. While that appears warm, there are approaches you can keep your residence cool without having the air conditioner on all the time.
Keeping windows and blinds down during the day keeps cool air where it belongs—inside. Some window treatments, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to provide added insulation and better energy savings.
If you have ceiling fans in your home, the DOE says you can move thermostat settings about 4 degrees hotter without compromising comfort. That’s since they refresh with a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not rooms, switch them off when you exit a room.
If 78 degrees still seems too uncomfortable initially, try conducting a test for approximately a week. Begin by upping your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, gradually turn it down while using the tips above. You may be astonished at how comfortable you feel at a hotter temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no reason to keep the air conditioner going all day while your home is empty. Switching the temp 7–10 degrees hotter can save you as much as 5–15% on your AC costs, according to the DOE.
When you get home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat below 78 to cool your home faster. This isn’t effective and usually results in a higher air conditioner cost.
A programmable thermostat is a useful way to keep your temp under control, but you have to set programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you risk forgetting to raise the set temperature when you leave.
If you want a hassle-free resolution, think over buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it knows when you’re at your residence and when you’re away. Then it intuitively changes temperature settings for the best savings. How much exactly? Typically $180 annually on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another benefit of installing a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to keep an eye on and regulate temperature settings from nearly anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR advises 82 degrees, that might be unbearable for many families. The majority of people sleep better when their sleeping area is chilly, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation recommends 60–67 degrees. But that could be too cold, depending on your pajama and blanket preference.
We suggest using a comparable test over a week, putting your thermostat higher and slowly decreasing it to pick the ideal temperature for your house. On pleasant nights, you may find keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a preferable solution than operating the AC.
More Methods to Use Less Energy This Summer
There are other approaches you can save money on utility bills throughout hot weather.
- Install an energy-efficient AC system. Central air conditioners only work for about 12–15 years and become less efficient as they become older. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your residence more comfortable while keeping energy bills low.
- Set yearly air conditioner maintenance. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your system operating properly and might help it run more efficiently. It might also help prolong its life expectancy, since it helps professionals to spot small issues before they cause a major meltdown.
- Switch air filters often. Follow manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A dirty filter can lead to your system short cycling, or turn on and off too much, and raise your utility.
- Check attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of houses 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 should have 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork checked. Ductwork that has separated over time can seep cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can result in big comfort troubles in your home, like hot and cold spots.
- Seal openings, doors and windows. Keep hot air where it should be by sealing openings. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more cold air indoors.
Use Less Energy This Summer with True Temp
If you want to save more energy during warm weather, our True Temp experts can assist you. Reach us at 772-202-2963 or contact us online for more information about our energy-saving cooling solutions.