You shouldn’t need to sacrifice comfort or drain your wallet to keep your home at a refreshing temp during muggy weather.
But what is the best temp, exactly? We discuss recommendations from energy experts so you can choose the best temp for your home.
Here’s what we recommend for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Hasbrouck Heights.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most families find setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a sizeable difference between your indoor and outside temps, your electrical bills 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 too high, there are ways you can keep your house cool without having the air conditioner going frequently.
Keeping windows and window treatments shut during the day keeps chilled air where it belongs—within your home. Some window treatments, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to give added insulation and improved energy savings.
If you have ceiling fans in your house, the DOE says you can raise thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees hotter without compromising comfort. That’s because they freshen with a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not rooms, turn them off when you move from a room.
If 78 degrees still seems too hot initially, try doing a test for approximately a week. Start by raising your setting to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, gradually decrease it while following the tips above. You might be amazed at how cool you feel at a hotter temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no need to keep the air conditioning working all day while your home is unoccupied. Turning the temp 7–10 degrees hotter can save you anywhere from 5–15% on your electricity bills, according to the DOE.
When you come home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your house faster. This isn’t useful and typically produces a more expensive cooling bill.
A programmable thermostat is a good method to keep your settings under control, but you need to set programs. If you don’t use programs, you run the risk of forgetting to move the set temperature when you go.
If you need a handy remedy, consider installing 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 adjusts temperature settings for the best savings. How much exactly? Usually $180 annually on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another plus of using a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to monitor and change temperature settings from almost anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR advises 82 degrees, that may be unpleasant for many families. Many people sleep better when their sleeping area is chilly, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation recommends 60–67 degrees. But that may be too cool, due to your pajama and blanket preference.
We suggest running an equivalent test over a week, setting your thermostat higher and steadily turning it down to choose the ideal temperature for your house. On mild nights, you may discover keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a better solution than running the AC.
More Approaches to Use Less Energy During Warm Weather
There are added approaches you can conserve money on AC bills throughout the summer.
- Get an energy-efficient AC system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they get older. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your house comfier while keeping AC expenses down.
- Schedule regular air conditioner maintenance. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit working properly and may help it work at greater efficiency. It could also help lengthen its life cycle, since it enables pros to spot small problems before they create a major meltdown.
- Switch air filters often. Follow manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A dusty filter can result in your system short cycling, or switch on and off too often, and increase your electrical.
- Check attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of houses in the U.S. don’t have adequate insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. The majority of southern climates should have 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates should have 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork checked. Ductwork that has come apart over time can seep cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can result in big comfort issues in your home, such as hot and cold spots.
- Seal openings, doors and windows. Keep muggy air in its place by closing openings. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more cool air within your home.
Use Less Energy During Hot Weather with ACE Solutions
If you need to save more energy during warm weather, our ACE Solutions pros can provide assistance. Give us a call at 201-426-0650 or contact us online for more info about our energy-saving cooling options.