You shouldn’t have to give up comfort or empty your wallet to keep your house at a refreshing temperature during muggy weather.
But what is the best temp, exactly? We go over advice from energy experts so you can determine the best temperature for your family.
Here’s what we recommend for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Cambridge.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most families find placing the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a big difference between your inside and outside temperatures, your electrical costs will be greater.
These are our recommendations based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
While at home: 78 degrees. While that sounds too high, there are ways you can keep your residence refreshing without having the air conditioner running frequently.
Keeping windows and blinds shut during the day keeps cool air where it needs to be—inside. Some window coverings, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to deliver extra insulation and improved energy efficiency.
If you have ceiling fans in your home, the DOE says you can increase thermostat temps about 4 degrees hotter without giving up comfort. That’s due to the fact they freshen through a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not spaces, turn them off when you exit a room.
If 78 degrees still feels too uncomfortable initially, try doing a trial for about a week. Start by upping your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, steadily lower it while using the advice above. You could be amazed at how refreshed you feel at a higher temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the AC working all day while your house is vacant. Moving the temperature 7¬¬–10 degrees warmer can save you an estimated 5–15% on your air conditioning costs, according to the DOE.
When you arrive home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your residence more rapidly. This isn’t useful and typically results in a bigger cooling expense.
A programmable thermostat is a helpful method to keep your temperature controlled, but you need to set programs. If you don’t use programs, you might forget to move the set temperature when you leave.
If you want a handy fix, think about installing a smart thermostat. This thermostat works with with your phone, so it knows when you’re at your house and when you’re gone. Then it intuitively modifies temperature settings for the best savings. How much exactly? Typically $180 yearly on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another benefit 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 most families. Many people sleep better when their sleeping space is chilled, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation suggests 60–67 degrees. But that may be too cold, depending on your PJ and blanket preference.
We suggest following a comparable test over a week, putting your temperature higher and slowly decreasing it to select the ideal setting for your family. On cool nights, you could find keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a preferable option than running the AC.
More Ways to Save Energy During Hot Weather
There are extra methods you can spend less money on cooling bills throughout the summer.
- Get an energy-efficient AC system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and become less efficient as they get older. A new air conditioner can keep your residence more comfortable while keeping electricity
expenses down. - Book annual air conditioner service. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit running properly and may help it run more efficiently. It might also help prolong its life cycle, since it allows techs to find little issues before they cause a big meltdown.
- Change air filters frequently. Read manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A dirty filter can result in your system short cycling, or turn on and off too often, and drive up your electrical
bills. - Check attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of homes in the USA don’t have adequate insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Many southern climates require 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates require 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork examined. Ductwork that has separated over the years can seep cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can result in major comfort problems in your residence, including hot and cold spots.
- Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep humid air where it should be by plugging holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more cold air inside.
Use Less Energy During Warm Weather with Pliescott HVAC Services LLC
If you want to conserve more energy during hot weather, our Pliescott HVAC Services LLC specialists can provide assistance. Get in touch with us at 410-228-4822 or contact us online for more information about our energy-conserving cooling products.