You shouldn’t be forced to sacrifice comfort or empty your wallet to keep your home at a pleasant temperature during the summer.
But what is the ideal temp, exactly? We discuss ideas from energy pros so you can determine the best temperature for your residence.
Here’s what we recommend for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Bridgeport.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most people find setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a big difference between your interior and exterior warmth, your AC costs will be bigger.
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 ways you can keep your home pleasant without having the AC going all the time.
Keeping windows and curtains down during the day keeps chilled air where it needs to be—within your home. Some window treatments, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to provide added insulation and enhanced energy efficiency.
If you have ceiling fans in your house, the DOE says you can increase thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees warmer without sacrificing comfort. That’s because they freshen by a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not spaces, turn them off when you exit a room.
If 78 degrees still feels too warm initially, try conducting a test for a week or so. Begin by raising your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, progressively decrease it while adhering to the ideas above. You might be surprised at how refreshed you feel at a hotter temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no need to keep the AC on all day while your house is empty. Turning the temp 7–10 degrees warmer can save you anywhere from 5–15% on your electrical costs, according to the DOE.
When you arrive home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat under 78 to cool your house more quickly. This isn’t useful and usually leads to a higher electricity cost.
A programmable thermostat is a good method to keep your settings controlled, but you have to set programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you might forget to move the set temperature when you take off.
If you want a hassle-free remedy, think over installing a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at home and when you’re away. Then it automatically modifies temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? Typically $180 yearly on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another benefit of having a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to watch and adjust temperature settings from just about anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR recommends 82 degrees, that may be unpleasant for the majority of families. Most people sleep better when their sleeping area is chilly, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation suggests 60–67 degrees. But that might be too cool, based on your PJ and blanket preference.
We suggest using a comparable test over a week, putting your thermostat higher and steadily lowering it to pick the ideal setting for your house. On pleasant nights, you might find keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a better solution than running the air conditioning.
More Ways to Save Energy During Hot Weather
There are additional approaches you can conserve money on cooling bills throughout warm weather.
- Install an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only are effective for about 12–15 years and become less efficient as they get older. An updated air conditioner can keep your residence cooler while keeping electricity expenses down.
- Set regular air conditioner maintenance. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your system operating properly and might help it run at better efficiency. It might also help lengthen its life span, since it allows professionals to discover little problems before they lead to a major meltdown.
- Put in new air filters frequently. Follow manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A dirty filter can lead to your system short cycling, or run too often, and drive up your energy.
- Inspect attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of residences in the USA don’t have enough insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. The majority of southern climates should have 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates require 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork checked. Ductwork that has loosened over time can let cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to big comfort problems in your home, including hot and cold spots.
- Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep muggy air where it belongs by closing holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more cold air within your home.
Save More Energy During Warm Weather with Custom Air Systems
If you want to use less energy this summer, our Custom Air Systems pros can provide assistance. Give us a call at (203) 333-1906 or contact us online for more details about our energy-saving cooling options.