You shouldn’t be forced to sacrifice comfort or spend a lot to keep your home at a pleasant temp during warm days.
But what is the right temp, exactly? We review ideas from energy professionals so you can find the best temperature for your residence.
Here’s what we suggest for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Lodi.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most households find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a sizeable difference between your interior and exterior warmth, your electricity expenses will be larger.
These are our recommendations based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
While at home: 78 degrees. While that seems hot, there are approaches you can keep your home cool without having the air conditioner going frequently.
Keeping windows and blinds shut during the day keeps cold air where it should be—inside. Some window solutions, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to deliver more insulation and enhanced energy conservation.
If you have ceiling fans in your residence, the DOE says you can move thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees warmer without compromising comfort. That’s because they freshen through a windchill effect. As they cool people, not areas, turn them off when you move from a room.
If 78 degrees still appears too warm initially, try conducting a trial for a week or so. Start by increasing your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, gradually lower it while using the ideas above. You could be astonished 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 residence is vacant. Turning the temp 7–10 degrees warmer 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 set your thermostat under 78 to cool your house faster. This isn’t effective and typically produces a bigger electrical bill.
A programmable thermostat is a good method to keep your temp in check, but you need to set programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you risk forgetting to increase the set temperature when you go.
If you want a handy resolution, consider buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat works with with your phone, so it knows when you’re at home and when you’re away. Then it automatically changes temperature settings for the best savings. How much exactly? Typically $180 yearly on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another plus of getting a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to monitor and change temperature settings from nearly anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR advises 82 degrees, that may be too uncomfortable for the majority of families. Most people sleep better when their bedroom is cold, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation suggests 60–67 degrees. But that may be too cold, based on your PJ and blanket preference.
We advise using a comparable test over a week, moving your temperature higher and steadily decreasing it to find the right temp for your family. On cool nights, you might find keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a superior solution than operating the AC.
More Ways to Save Energy This Summer
There are added approaches you can spend less money on utility bills throughout warm weather.
- Upgrade to an energy-efficient air conditioning system. Central air conditioners only work for about 12–15 years and become less efficient as they become older. A new air conditioner can keep your residence more comfortable while keeping energy costs low.
- Set annual air conditioner service. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your system running smoothly and could help it work at greater efficiency. It may also help prolong its life cycle, since it allows technicians to pinpoint seemingly insignificant troubles before they cause a major meltdown.
- Replace air filters regularly. Use manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A dusty filter can lead to your system short cycling, or switch on and off too much, and raise your energy.
- Check attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of homes in the United States don’t have enough insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Many southern climates should have 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates should have 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork checked. Ductwork that has loosened over time can leak conditioned air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create major comfort problems in your residence, such as hot and cold spots.
- Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep warm air where it should be by closing cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more cool air within your home.
Use Less Energy During Hot Weather with Tokay
If you need to conserve more energy during warm weather, our Tokay specialists can provide assistance. Get in touch with us at 209-257-3156 or contact us online for additional details about our energy-saving cooling solutions.