You shouldn’t need to give up comfort or empty your wallet to keep your home at the right temperature during the summer.
But what is the right temp, exactly? We review ideas from energy pros so you can find the best temperature for your home.
Here’s what we suggest for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Wilmington.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most people find setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a big difference between your interior and outside temps, your AC bills will be bigger.
These are our recommendations based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
While at home: 78 degrees. While that seems too high, there are ways you can keep your residence pleasant without having the AC on frequently.
Keeping windows and blinds closed during the day keeps chilled air where it belongs—within your home. Some window treatments, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to provide extra insulation and improved energy conservation.
If you have ceiling fans in your house, the DOE says you can raise thermostat settings about 4 degrees hotter without compromising comfort. That’s because they cool with a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not rooms, turn them off when you exit a room.
If 78 degrees still seems too hot on the surface, try conducting an experiment for a week or so. Begin by upping your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, gradually lower it while following the ideas above. You could be shocked at how comfortable you feel at a hotter temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the air conditioner on all day while your house is empty. Moving the temperature 7–10 degrees hotter can save you anywhere from 5–15% on your cooling bills, according to the DOE.
When you get home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat under 78 to cool your house faster. This isn’t productive and usually produces a more expensive AC expense.
A programmable thermostat is a useful way to keep your temperature controlled, but you need to set programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you might forget to move the set temperature when you leave.
If you need a handy solution, think about getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it knows when you’re at your residence and when you’re away. Then it automatically modifies temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? Usually $180 yearly on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another plus of using a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to watch and adjust temperature settings from just about anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR advises 82 degrees, that could be unbearable for most families. Many people sleep better when their sleeping space is cold, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation recommends 65–68 degrees. But that could be too cool, due to your PJ and blanket preference.
We advise running a comparable test over a week, moving your thermostat higher and slowly decreasing it to select the best setting for your house. On cool nights, you might discover keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a preferable solution than running the air conditioning.
More Methods to Conserve Energy During Warm Weather
There are extra approaches you can save money on air conditioning bills throughout the summer.
- Buy an energy-efficient air conditioning system. Central air conditioners only are effective for about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they become older. A new air conditioner can keep your residence cooler while keeping AC bills low.
- Set annual air conditioner service. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit operating properly and may help it run at greater efficiency. It might also help extend its life span, since it helps technicians to spot little troubles before they lead to a major meltdown.
- Replace air filters frequently. Use manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A dirty filter can lead to your system short cycling, or switch on and off too much, and drive up your energy.
- Check attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of residences in the U.S. don’t have adequate 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 inspected. Ductwork that has separated over time can let cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can result in big comfort issues in your house, such as hot and cold spots.
- Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep muggy air where it belongs by sealing holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more cool air inside.
Conserve More Energy This Summer with Brandywine Heating & Air
If you want to use less energy during warm weather, our Brandywine Heating & Air pros can help. Give us a call at 302-246-7971 or contact us online for more details about our energy-saving cooling products.