You shouldn’t have to compromise on comfort or empty your wallet to keep your house at a pleasant setting during the summer.
But what is the best temperature, exactly? We go over advice from energy professionals so you can select the best temperature for your family.
Here’s what we recommend for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Hasbrouck Heights.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most households find placing the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a sizeable difference between your inside and outdoor temperatures, your cooling expenses will be larger.
These are our recommendations based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
While at home: 78 degrees. While that seems warm, there are ways you can keep your home cool without having the AC running all the time.
Keeping windows and curtains closed during the day keeps chilled air where it belongs—inside. Some window solutions, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to deliver more insulation and better energy conservation.
If you have ceiling fans in your home, the DOE says you can increase thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees higher without compromising comfort. That’s because they refresh with a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not areas, turn them off when you leave a room.
If 78 degrees still appears too warm on the surface, try doing a trial for approximately a week. Begin by raising your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, progressively lower it while using the tips above. You could be astonished at how comfortable you feel at a higher temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no need to keep the AC on all day while your house is empty. Turning the temp 7¬¬–10 degrees higher can save you anywhere from 5–15% on your electrical bills, according to the DOE.
When you come home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat below 78 to cool your residence more quickly. This isn’t productive and typically results in a more expensive electrical bills.
A programmable thermostat is a good method to keep your temperature under control, but you need to set programs. If you don’t use programs, you risk forgetting to change the set temperature when you take off.
If you need a hassle-free solution, think over getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat works with with your phone, so it is aware when you’re at home and when you’re gone. Then it instinctively modifies temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? About $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another benefit of having 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 advises 82 degrees, that may be unbearable for most families. Most people sleep better when their sleeping area is chilled, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation recommends 60–67 degrees. But that may be too cold, based on your PJ and blanket preference.
We suggest running a comparable test over a week, setting your thermostat higher and progressively turning it down to choose the ideal temp for your house. On cool nights, you could find keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a preferable solution than operating the air conditioner.
More Approaches to Save Energy This Summer
There are other approaches you can spend less money on air conditioning bills throughout hot weather.
- Get an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and become less efficient as they become older. A new air conditioner can keep your residence more comfortable while keeping energy
expenses small. - Set annual air conditioning service. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit operating properly and may help it run at greater efficiency. It may also help lengthen its life span, since it allows professionals to find seemingly insignificant problems before they lead to an expensive meltdown.
- Put in new air filters frequently. Follow manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A dirty filter can result in your system short cycling, or turn on and off too frequently, and drive up your cooling
bills. - Check attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of houses in the USA don’t have adequate insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Most southern climates should have 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates should have 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork checked. Ductwork that has separated over time can let cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can result in huge comfort issues in your residence, like hot and cold spots.
- Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep muggy air where it belongs by plugging holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more cool air indoors.
Conserve More Energy This Summer with ACE Solutions
If you are looking to use less energy this summer, our ACE Solutions experts can help. Reach us at 201-579-2562 or contact us online for more details about our energy-conserving cooling options.