Whats the Most Energy-Efficient AC Setting?

You shouldn’t need to compromise on comfort or spend a lot to keep your residence at a pleasant temperature during the summer.

But what is the best setting, exactly? We go over suggestions from energy pros so you can choose the best temperature for your house.

Here’s what we advise for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Lodi.

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most people find setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees provides ideal comfort. However, if there’s a sizeable difference between your indoor and outside temperatures, your utility 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 sounds warm, there are approaches you can keep your residence refreshing without having the air conditioning on all the time.

Keeping windows and window treatments shut during the day keeps cool air where it should be—within your home. Some window solutions, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to give extra insulation and enhanced energy savings.

If you have ceiling fans in your house, the DOE says you can raise thermostat temps about 4 degrees hotter without compromising comfort. That’s due to the fact they cool with a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not rooms, switch them off when you leave a room.

If 78 degrees still appears too warm on the surface, try running an experiment for approximately a week. Get started by upping your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, gradually decrease it while adhering to the tips above. You could be amazed at how refreshed you feel at a higher temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no need to keep the AC on all day while your home is unoccupied. Turning the temperature 7¬¬–10 degrees warmer can save you as much as 5–15% on your cooling expenses, according to the DOE.

When you get home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat below 78 to cool your home faster. This isn’t productive and usually leads to a more expensive air conditioner cost.

A programmable thermostat is a helpful method to keep your temp under control, but you have to set programs. If you don’t set programs, you run the risk of forgetting to change the set temperature when you go.

If you want a convenient remedy, think over getting 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 instinctively modifies temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? Usually $180 annually on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another perk of using a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to watch and change temperature settings from almost anywhere.

While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR advises 82 degrees, that might be unbearable for most families. Most people sleep better when their sleeping area is chilled, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation advises 60–67 degrees. But that may be too cold, depending on your pajama and blanket preference.

We advise following a similar test over a week, moving your temp higher and gradually lowering it to pinpoint the ideal setting for your residence. On cool nights, you may find keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a better option than operating the air conditioning.

More Methods to Conserve Energy During Warm Weather

There are other methods you can spend less money on cooling bills throughout warm weather.

1. Buy an energy-efficient air conditioning system. Central air conditioners only work for about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they become older. An updated air conditioner can keep your house comfier while keeping electricity
expenses down.
2. Book regular air conditioning maintenance. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment running properly and could help it operate at better efficiency. It could also help extend its life span, since it allows professionals to spot little problems before they lead to an expensive meltdown.
3. Replace air filters regularly. Read manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A dirty filter can lead to your system short cycling, or switch on and off too frequently, and raise your energy
expenses.
4. Inspect attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of homes in the USA don’t have enough insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Most southern climates need 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates require 16–18”.
5. Have your ductwork inspected. Ductwork that has come apart over time can leak cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can result in big comfort troubles in your residence, including hot and cold spots.
6. Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep warm air where it should be by closing openings. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more cold air inside.

Use Less Energy This Summer with Tokay Heating and Air Conditioning

If you need to save more energy this summer, our Tokay Heating and Air Conditioning pros can assist you. Give us a call at 209-257-3156 or contact us online for extra information about our energy-efficient cooling options.