You shouldn’t be forced to compromise on comfort or spend a lot to keep your home at a refreshing setting during hot days.
But what is the ideal setting, exactly? We review suggestions from energy professionals so you can determine the best setting for your family.
Here’s what we recommend for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Lodi.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most households find setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a sizeable difference between your inside and exterior temps, your electricity bills 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 appears warm, there are methods you can keep your house cool without having the air conditioning going constantly.
Keeping windows and window treatments closed during the day keeps chilled air where it needs to be—indoors. Some window solutions, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to offer added insulation and enhanced energy conservation.
If you have ceiling fans in your house, the DOE says you can move thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees warmer without compromising comfort. That’s because they refresh by a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not spaces, turn them off when you exit a room.
If 78 degrees still appears too warm at first glance, try running an experiment for a week or so. Start by raising your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, gradually turn it down while using the suggestions above. You could be surprised at how cool you feel at a hotter temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no reason to keep the air conditioning working all day while your house is unoccupied. Moving the temperature 7–10 degrees hotter can save you as much as 5–15% on your AC costs, according to the DOE.
When you arrive home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your house more quickly. This isn’t useful and often produces a higher AC bill.
A programmable thermostat is a good approach to keep your temperature under control, but you have to set programs. If you don’t use programs, you risk forgetting to change the set temperature when you leave.
If you’re looking for a convenient solution, think over getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it is aware when you’re at your residence and when you’re away. Then it intuitively adjusts temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? An estimated $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 adjust temperature settings from nearly anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR suggests 82 degrees, that may be too uncomfortable for the majority of families. Many people sleep better when their sleeping space is chilly, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation suggests 60–67 degrees. But that might be too cold, depending on your PJ and blanket preference.
We advise using a similar test over a week, setting your temperature higher and progressively turning it down to pinpoint the right temperature for your residence. On pleasant nights, you may find keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a preferable idea than running the air conditioner.
More Approaches to Use Less Energy During Warm Weather
There are additional ways you can save money on air conditioning bills throughout hot weather.
- Buy an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only are effective for about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they age. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your home comfier while keeping electrical expenses down.
- Schedule yearly air conditioner tune-ups. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your system operating properly and could help it work at greater efficiency. It may also help prolong its life expectancy, since it helps technicians to uncover seemingly insignificant problems before they cause a major meltdown.
- Change air filters regularly. Follow 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 raise your utility.
- Measure attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of houses in the USA don’t have proper insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Most southern climates should have 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates need 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork examined. Ductwork that has come apart over time can let conditioned air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can result in major comfort troubles in your home, like hot and cold spots.
- Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep humid air where it should be by sealing holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more cool air indoors.
Save More Energy During Warm Weather with Tokay
If you are looking to conserve more energy during warm weather, our Tokay professionals can assist you. Get in touch with us at 209-257-3156 or contact us online for more information about our energy-saving cooling options.