You shouldn’t be forced to compromise on comfort or drain your wallet to keep your residence at a pleasant temperature during the summer.
But what is the right temp, exactly? We go over advice from energy specialists so you can select the best temperature for your home.
Here’s what we advise for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Redding.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most families find setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees provides ideal comfort. However, if there’s a huge difference between your interior and exterior warmth, your AC expenses will be greater.
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 pleasant without having the air conditioning going frequently.
Keeping windows and window treatments closed during the day keeps cool air where it needs to be—inside. Some window solutions, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to provide added insulation and better energy efficiency.
If you have ceiling fans in your house, the DOE says you can move thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees higher without sacrificing comfort. That’s because they freshen through a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not rooms, shut them off when you move from a room.
If 78 degrees still seems too hot on the surface, try conducting a test for about a week. Get started by increasing your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, progressively lower it while adhering to the ideas above. You may be astonished at how comfortable you feel at a warmer temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no reason to keep the air conditioning going all day while your residence is unoccupied. Switching the temperature 7–10 degrees warmer can save you anywhere from 5–15% on your cooling costs, according to the DOE.
When you get home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat below 78 to cool your residence faster. This isn’t productive and usually results in a higher AC bill.
A programmable thermostat is a helpful approach to keep your temp controlled, but you have to set programs. If you don’t set programs, you might forget to move the set temperature when you take off.
If you want a hassle-free resolution, think about buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it knows when you’re at your house and when you’re away. Then it automatically modifies temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? Typically $180 annually on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another advantage of using 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 advises 82 degrees, that may be unbearable for the majority of families. Many people sleep better when their sleeping area is cold, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation advises 65–68 degrees. But that might be too cool, based on your pajama and blanket preference.
We suggest using a comparable test over a week, putting your thermostat higher and gradually decreasing it to pick the best temp for your residence. On mild nights, you may find keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a superior idea than operating the air conditioning.
More Ways to Conserve Energy During Hot Weather
There are other approaches you can spend less money on cooling bills throughout the summer.
- Get an energy-efficient AC system. Central air conditioners only are effective for about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they age. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your home comfier while keeping energy expenses down.
- Book annual air conditioner maintenance. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit working like it should and could help it operate more efficiently. It might also help extend its life cycle, since it helps professionals to spot seemingly insignificant issues before they create a major meltdown.
- Replace air filters frequently. Use manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A dirty filter can cause your system to short cycle, or turn on and off too much, and increase your energy.
- Check attic insulation levels. Just about 90% of homes in the U.S. don’t have enough 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 examined. Ductwork that has loosened over time can seep cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to big comfort troubles in your home, like hot and cold spots.
- Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep humid air in its place by plugging holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more cool air inside.
Save More Energy During Warm Weather with Allianz Heating & Air
If you need to use less energy during hot weather, our Allianz Heating & Air pros can provide assistance. Give us a call at 530-221-2642 or contact us online for extra information about our energy-saving cooling products.
