You shouldn’t need to give up comfort or empty your wallet to keep your home at the right temperature during warm days.
But what is the ideal temperature, exactly? We discuss ideas from energy professionals so you can choose the best setting for your house.
Here’s what we recommend for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Rock Hill.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most people find setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a huge difference between your interior and exterior temperatures, your cooling expenses will be bigger.
This is our advice 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 AC on frequently.
Keeping windows and window treatments closed during the day keeps cold air where it belongs—within your home. Some window solutions, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to deliver more insulation and enhanced energy conservation.
If you have ceiling fans in your residence, the DOE says you can increase thermostat temps about 4 degrees higher without giving up comfort. That’s because they freshen by a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not rooms, switch them off when you move from a room.
If 78 degrees still appears too hot on the surface, try running a test for about a week. Start by increasing your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, gradually decrease it while using the advice above. You might be amazed at how comfortable you feel at a higher temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no reason to keep the air conditioning going all day while your residence is empty. Turning the setting 7¬¬–10 degrees warmer can save you anywhere from 5–15% on your cooling expenses, according to the DOE.
When you come home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat under 78 to cool your house faster. This isn’t productive and typically results in a bigger AC bills.
A programmable thermostat is a good way to keep your temperature controlled, but you have to set programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you risk forgetting to change the set temperature when you go.
If you need a convenient solution, think about getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it is aware when you’re at your house and when you’re out. Then it automatically changes temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? Usually $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another advantage 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 recommends 82 degrees, that could 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 60–67 degrees. But that could be too chilly, due to your pajama and blanket preference.
We advise trying a comparable test over a week, putting your thermostat higher and progressively decreasing it to select the ideal temperature for your residence. On pleasant nights, you may discover keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a preferable solution than running the air conditioner.
More Methods to Use Less Energy During Hot Weather
There are other ways you can conserve money on cooling bills throughout hot weather.
- Buy an energy-efficient air conditioning system. Central air conditioners only work for about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they become older. An updated air conditioner can keep your home comfier while keeping utility
bills low. - Set annual air conditioning service. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment operating like it should and could help it run more efficiently. It could also help prolong its life expectancy, since it enables professionals to find little problems before they create an expensive meltdown.
- Put in new air filters regularly. Use manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A dusty filter can cause your system to short cycle, or turn on and off too often, and drive up your utility
bills. - Measure attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of houses in the USA don’t have proper insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Many southern climates should have 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates should have 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork checked. Ductwork that has loosened as it’s aged can leak cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can result in big comfort problems in your residence, such as hot and cold spots.
- Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep hot air in its place by plugging cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more conditioned air indoors.
Conserve More Energy During Warm Weather with US Air Heating and Cooling
If you want to use less energy this summer, our US Air Heating and Cooling professionals can provide assistance. Reach us at 803-220-0761 or contact us online for additional information about our energy-saving cooling products.