You shouldn’t need to compromise on comfort or empty your wallet to keep your house at the right temp during the summer.
But what is the right temp, exactly? We review advice from energy professionals so you can select the best setting for your home.
Here’s what we advise for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Manassas.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most people find placing the thermostat at 72-73 degrees provides ideal comfort. However, if there’s a sizeable difference between your inside and outdoor temperatures, your cooling expenses will be bigger.
These are our suggestions based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
While at home: 78 degrees. While that appears hot, there are methods you can keep your residence pleasant without having the AC going frequently.
Keeping windows and window treatments shut during the day keeps chilled air where it should be—within your home. Some window treatments, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to give extra insulation and improved energy conservation.
If you have ceiling fans in your house, the DOE says you can increase thermostat settings about 4 degrees hotter without giving up comfort. That’s because they freshen by a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not rooms, switch them off when you leave a room.
If 78 degrees still appears too uncomfortable initially, try running a trial for about a week. Begin by increasing your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, gradually turn it down while using the suggestions 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 air conditioning running all day while your home is empty. Moving the setting 7¬¬–10 degrees higher can save you anywhere from 5–15% on your cooling bills, according to the DOE.
When you arrive home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat below 78 to cool your house more quickly. This isn’t useful and typically results in a more expensive AC cost.
A programmable thermostat is a helpful method to keep your temp in check, but you have to set programs. If you don’t set programs, you run the risk of forgetting to raise the set temperature when you take off.
If you need a hassle-free solution, think over installing a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at your residence and when you’re out. Then it instinctively modifies temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? Usually $180 yearly on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another advantage of getting a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to monitor and change temperature settings from just about anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR advises 82 degrees, that may be unpleasant for the majority of families. The majority of people sleep better when their sleeping space is chilly, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation recommends 60–67 degrees. But that might be too cold, due to your PJ and blanket preference.
We suggest trying a comparable test over a week, setting your thermostat higher and steadily lowering it to pick the right temp for your house. On cool nights, you could learn keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a superior option than using the air conditioner.
More Methods to Conserve Energy During Warm Weather
There are added ways you can save money on air conditioning bills throughout the summer.
- Get an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only are effective for about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they age. An updated air conditioner can keep your house cooler while keeping electricity
bills down. - Book yearly air conditioner maintenance. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment running like it should and might help it work at better efficiency. It can also help lengthen its life span, since it allows technicians to pinpoint seemingly insignificant problems before they lead to a major meltdown.
- Switch air filters regularly. Use manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A dirty filter can cause your system to short cycle, or switch on and off too frequently, and drive up your energy
bills. - Inspect attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of homes in the USA don’t have proper insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. The majority of southern climates need 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates need 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork examined. Ductwork that has come apart as it’s aged can leak cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create huge comfort issues in your house, such as hot and cold spots.
- Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep hot air where it should be by closing openings. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more cold air indoors.
Save More Energy During Warm Weather with Air-Right Energy Design, Inc.
If you need to use less energy during warm weather, our Air-Right Energy Design, Inc. specialists can assist you. Reach us at 703-260-1148 or contact us online for extra details about our energy-efficient cooling products.