You shouldn’t be forced to give up comfort or drain your wallet to keep your residence at the right temp during the summer.
But what is the right temp, exactly? We review suggestions from energy specialists so you can choose the best temp for your house.
Here’s what we advise for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Corpus Christi.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most households find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a big difference between your interior and exterior temps, your AC costs 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 seems too high, there are approaches you can keep your home refreshing without having the AC going all the time.
Keeping windows and window treatments closed during the day keeps cold air where it needs to be—within your home. Some window coverings, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to deliver more insulation and enhanced energy conservation.
If you have ceiling fans in your residence, the DOE says you can move thermostat temps about 4 degrees hotter without giving up comfort. That’s due to the fact they refresh with a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not rooms, shut them off when you move from a room.
If 78 degrees still seems too warm initially, try conducting an experiment for approximately a week. Begin by upping your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, gradually turn it down while following the tips above. You could be astonished at how cool you feel at a warmer temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the air conditioner going all day while your home is empty. Moving the temp 7–10 degrees hotter can save you an estimated 5–15% on your air conditioning bills, according to the DOE.
When you come home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat below 78 to cool your home faster. This isn’t effective and usually leads to a bigger electricity bill.
A programmable thermostat is a good way to keep your temperature in check, but you have to set programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you risk forgetting to move the set temperature when you go.
If you’re looking for a handy remedy, think over buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at your house and when you’re away. Then it automatically modifies temperature settings for the best savings. How much exactly? Typically $180 yearly on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another perk of installing a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to monitor and regulate temperature settings from just about anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR recommends 82 degrees, that may be unbearable for the majority of families. The majority of people sleep better when their sleeping space is cold, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation advises 65–68 degrees. But that may be too chilly, depending on your pajama and blanket preference.
We recommend trying a similar test over a week, putting your thermostat higher and steadily lowering it to select the best temp for your house. On pleasant nights, you might discover keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a better solution than running the AC.
More Ways to Use Less Energy During Hot Weather
There are extra approaches you can spend less money on AC bills throughout the summer.
- Buy an energy-efficient AC system. Central air conditioners only work for about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they age. An updated air conditioner can keep your house comfier while keeping electrical costs small.
- Book annual air conditioner tune-ups. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit operating smoothly and could help it operate at greater efficiency. It might also help prolong its life span, since it allows pros to pinpoint small troubles before they lead to a major meltdown.
- Change air filters often. Use manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A dirty filter can cause your system to short cycle, or run too frequently, and drive up your electrical.
- Check attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of homes in the USA don’t have adequate insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Many southern climates should have 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates need 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork checked. Ductwork that has come apart over time can let cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to huge comfort issues in your residence, including hot and cold spots.
- Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep hot air where it should be by closing cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more cool air indoors.
Use Less Energy During Hot Weather with Total Assurance AC & Heating
If you are looking to use less energy this summer, our Total Assurance AC & Heating professionals can help. Reach us at 361-446-6925 or contact us online for more information about our energy-saving cooling products.
