You shouldn’t need to give up comfort or drain your wallet to keep your residence at the right setting during the summer.
But what is the best setting, exactly? We discuss advice from energy experts so you can find the best temp for your residence.
Here’s what we advise for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Muskogee.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most households find setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a sizeable difference between your indoor and outdoor temps, your utility 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 too high, there are approaches you can keep your home refreshing without having the air conditioner running frequently.
Keeping windows and window treatments closed during the day keeps cool air where it should be—inside. Some window solutions, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to offer extra insulation and better energy efficiency.
If you have ceiling fans in your residence, the DOE says you can increase thermostat temps about 4 degrees higher without sacrificing comfort. That’s due to the fact they cool through a windchill effect. As they cool people, not spaces, switch them off when you leave a room.
If 78 degrees still seems too warm on the surface, try running a trial for a week or so. Start by upping your setting to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, gradually lower it while adhering to the advice above. You might be shocked at how refreshed you feel at a warmer temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the AC working all day while your home is vacant. Switching the setting 7–10 degrees higher can save you as much as 5–15% on your electrical bills, according to the DOE.
When you arrive home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat below 78 to cool your house faster. This isn’t useful and often leads to a higher AC bill.
A programmable thermostat is a useful approach to keep your settings under control, but you need to set programs. If you don’t use programs, you might forget to raise the set temperature when you leave.
If you’re looking for a hassle-free remedy, think about buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it is aware when you’re at your house and when you’re gone. Then it automatically adjusts temperature settings for the best savings. How much exactly? Usually $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another plus of getting a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to monitor and adjust temperature settings from almost anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR advises 82 degrees, that may be unpleasant for most families. The majority of people sleep better when their sleeping space is chilly, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation suggests 65–68 degrees. But that might be too cold, due to your pajama and blanket preference.
We suggest running a similar test over a week, setting your thermostat higher and gradually turning it down to determine the best temp for your family. On cool nights, you might find keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a better option than using the air conditioner.
More Ways to Use Less Energy This Summer
There are other methods you can save money on energy bills throughout hot weather.
- Install an energy-efficient air conditioning system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they become older. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your home more comfortable while keeping electrical expenses low.
- Book regular air conditioner maintenance. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit running smoothly and may help it run more efficiently. It could also help prolong its life cycle, since it allows technicians to pinpoint little issues before they create a major meltdown.
- Put in new air filters frequently. Use manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A dirty filter can cause your system to short cycle, or run too often, and drive up your electrical.
- Measure attic insulation levels. Just about 90% of houses in the U.S. don’t have proper insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Most southern climates require 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates should have 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork checked. Ductwork that has loosened over time can seep cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can result in huge comfort troubles in your residence, like hot and cold spots.
- Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep muggy air where it should be by closing cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more cold air indoors.
Use Less Energy During Warm Weather with Hix Air Conditioning Service, Inc.
If you are looking to save more energy during hot weather, our Hix Air Conditioning Service, Inc. professionals can assist you. Give us a call at 918-682-8238 or contact us online for more details about our energy-saving cooling options.