You shouldn’t need to compromise on comfort or drain your wallet to keep your residence at a pleasant temp during summer weather.
But what is the right temperature, exactly? We go over recommendations from energy pros so you can choose the best temperature for your loved ones.
Here’s what we advise for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Newark.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most people find setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a sizeable difference between your inside and outdoor temps, your electricity bills will be higher.
These are our recommendations based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
While at home: 78 degrees. While that sounds too high, there are approaches you can keep your house pleasant without having the AC on constantly.
Keeping windows and curtains down during the day keeps chilled air where it should be—inside. Some window treatments, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to deliver more insulation and improved energy efficiency.
If you have ceiling fans in your home, the DOE says you can raise thermostat settings about 4 degrees hotter without giving up comfort. That’s due to the fact they cool with a windchill effect. As they cool people, not areas, turn them off when you exit a room.
If 78 degrees still seems too uncomfortable on the surface, try conducting a test for about a week. Get started by raising your setting to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, gradually lower it while using the advice above. You could be surprised at how cool you feel at a higher temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no need to keep the air conditioner going all day while your house is empty. Switching the setting 7–10 degrees higher can save you anywhere from 5–15% on your cooling expenses, according to the DOE.
When you come home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your house more quickly. This isn’t useful and usually produces a higher cooling expense.
A programmable thermostat is a useful method to keep your temp controlled, but it requires setting programs. If you don’t use programs, you might forget to increase the set temperature when you leave.
If you need a handy resolution, think over getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat works with with your phone, so it knows when you’re at home and when you’re out. Then it automatically changes temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? An estimated $180 annually on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another perk of getting a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to watch and change temperature settings from nearly anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR recommends 82 degrees, that could be too uncomfortable for most families. Most people sleep better when their sleeping area is chilly, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation advises 65–68 degrees. But that might be too chilly, based on your pajama and blanket preference.
We suggest running a comparable test over a week, moving your temp higher and gradually lowering it to determine the ideal setting for your house. On pleasant nights, you could discover keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a better idea than operating the AC.
More Methods to Save Energy This Summer
There are added ways you can conserve money on cooling bills throughout hot weather.
- Install an energy-efficient AC system. Central air conditioners only are effective for about 12–15 years and become less efficient as they age. An updated air conditioner can keep your home comfier while keeping utility costs small.
- Schedule annual air conditioner service. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment running properly and might help it run more efficiently. It might also help extend its life span, since it enables pros to pinpoint seemingly insignificant troubles before they create a major meltdown.
- Switch air filters regularly. Use manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A dusty filter can lead to your system short cycling, or switch on and off too much, and raise your cooling.
- Inspect attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of houses in the USA don’t have enough insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. The majority of southern climates require 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates require 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork checked. Ductwork that has separated over time can leak cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to major comfort issues in your home, including hot and cold spots.
- Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep warm air where it should be by sealing cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more conditioned air within your home.
Save More Energy During Hot Weather with Luikart Heating & Cooling
If you want to save more energy during warm weather, our Luikart Heating & Cooling experts can help. Get in touch with us at 740-344-5497 or contact us online for extra details about our energy-saving cooling solutions.