You shouldn’t be forced to give up comfort or spend a lot to keep your home at a refreshing temperature during summer weather.
But what is the ideal temperature, exactly? We review ideas from energy pros so you can find the best temp for your loved ones.
Here’s what we advise for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Bartlesville.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most people find setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a big difference between your indoor and outdoor temps, your AC expenses will be larger.
These are our suggestions 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 house refreshing without having the air conditioner running frequently.
Keeping windows and blinds down during the day keeps cold air where it should be—indoors. Some window treatments, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to provide added insulation and enhanced energy savings.
If you have ceiling fans in your home, the DOE says you can move thermostat settings about 4 degrees warmer without giving up comfort. That’s due to the fact they cool with a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not spaces, turn them off when you exit a room.
If 78 degrees still feels too hot at first glance, try conducting a test for about a week. Start by upping your setting to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, steadily decrease it while using the tips above. You could be shocked at how refreshed you feel at a higher temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no reason to keep the AC working all day while your house is empty. Moving the setting 7¬¬–10 degrees warmer can save you as much as 5–15% on your air conditioning expenses, according to the DOE.
When you get home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat under 78 to cool your home more quickly. This isn’t useful and often produces a bigger cooling bills.
A programmable thermostat is a useful method to keep your temperature controlled, but you need to set programs. If you don’t use programs, you risk forgetting to change the set temperature when you go.
If you’re looking for a convenient solution, think over installing 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 intuitively adjusts temperature settings for the best savings. How much exactly? Usually $180 annually on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another benefit of having a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to keep an eye on and change temperature settings from almost anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR suggests 82 degrees, that might be unpleasant for many families. Many people sleep better when their sleeping area is cold, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation recommends 60–67 degrees. But that could be too chilly, due to your clothing and blanket preference.
We suggest following a similar test over a week, putting your thermostat higher and progressively turning it down to find the right temp for your residence. On mild nights, you could find keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a superior option than running the air conditioning.
More Methods to Conserve Energy This Summer
There are extra methods you can spend less money on cooling bills throughout the summer.
- Install an energy-efficient AC system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they become older. A new air conditioner can keep your residence comfier while keeping AC
costs small. - Book yearly air conditioning maintenance. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your system working like it should and could help it work at better efficiency. It might also help lengthen its life expectancy, since it enables technicians to spot little troubles before they lead to an expensive meltdown.
- Replace air filters regularly. Follow manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A clogged filter can cause your system to short cycle, or run too much, and drive up your cooling
bills. - Check attic insulation levels. Just about 90% of residences in the U.S. don’t have proper insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. The majority of southern climates need 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates should have 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork inspected. Ductwork that has come apart over time can let conditioned air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can result in huge comfort issues in your home, like hot and cold spots.
- Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep hot air where it belongs by sealing openings. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more cold air indoors.
Conserve More Energy This Summer with Farris Heating & Air
If you need to use less energy during warm weather, our Farris Heating & Air pros can help. Reach us at 918-333-0376 or contact us online for more details about our energy-conserving cooling solutions.