You shouldn’t need to sacrifice comfort or empty your wallet to keep your residence at a refreshing temp during the summer.
But what is the best temperature, exactly? We discuss suggestions from energy specialists so you can determine the best temperature for your house.
Here’s what we advise for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Columbus.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most people find placing the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a huge difference between your inside and exterior temperatures, your electricity expenses will be greater.
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 home cool without having the air conditioner on frequently.
Keeping windows and window treatments down during the day keeps chilled air where it should be—within your home. Some window coverings, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to offer more insulation and better energy efficiency.
If you have ceiling fans in your home, the DOE says you can move thermostat temps about 4 degrees warmer without sacrificing comfort. That’s because they freshen by a windchill effect. As they cool people, not spaces, switch them off when you exit a room.
If 78 degrees still appears too warm at first glance, try doing a test for a week or so. Start by increasing your setting to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, steadily decrease it while adhering to the advice 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 running all day while your residence is empty. Moving the temperature 7¬¬–10 degrees warmer can save you as much as 5–15% on your electrical costs, according to the DOE.
When you arrive home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat below 78 to cool your house more rapidly. This isn’t productive and typically produces a higher air conditioner bills.
A programmable thermostat is a helpful method to keep your temperature controlled, but it requires setting programs. If you don’t set programs, you risk forgetting to change the set temperature when you take off.
If you’re looking for a handy remedy, consider getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat works with with your phone, so it knows when you’re at home and when you’re away. Then it intuitively changes temperature settings for the best savings. How much exactly? About $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another perk of getting a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to monitor and change temperature settings from nearly anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR suggests 82 degrees, that could be unbearable for many families. Many people sleep better when their sleeping area is chilled, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation suggests 60–67 degrees. But that could be too cold, due to your pajama and blanket preference.
We suggest trying an equivalent test over a week, setting your thermostat higher and progressively turning it down to find the ideal setting for your house. On mild nights, you could discover keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a better idea than running the AC.
More Ways to Conserve Energy During Warm Weather
There are other methods you can spend less money on energy bills throughout the summer.
- Get an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only are effective for about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they become older. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your home cooler while keeping energy
costs small. - Book annual air conditioning maintenance. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment working smoothly and might help it run more efficiently. It might also help extend its life expectancy, since it enables techs to spot seemingly insignificant issues before they cause a major meltdown.
- Replace air filters often. Read manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A dusty filter can cause your system to short cycle, or switch on and off too often, and raise your utility
expenses. - Check attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of houses in the U.S. don’t have proper insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Most southern climates need 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates require 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork inspected. Ductwork that has come apart over time can leak conditioned air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to big comfort problems in your residence, such as hot and cold spots.
- Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep hot air in its place by sealing holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more conditioned air indoors.
Use Less Energy This Summer with Wolfe & Sons Heating and Cooling
If you want to use less energy during warm weather, our Wolfe & Sons Heating and Cooling experts can assist you. Get in touch with us at 614-451-0846 or contact us online for more info about our energy-efficient cooling solutions.