Whats the Most Energy-Efficient AC Setting?

You shouldn’t have to sacrifice comfort or spend a lot to keep your residence at a pleasant setting during warm days.

But what is the best temperature, exactly? We review advice from energy professionals so you can select the best temperature for your residence.

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most households find placing the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a big difference between your interior and exterior warmth, your AC bills will be greater.

This is our advice based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.

While at home: 78 degrees. While that appears hot, there are methods you can keep your residence refreshing without having the air conditioning running frequently.

Keeping windows and curtains closed during the day keeps chilled air where it needs to be—within your home. Some window coverings, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to offer added insulation and better energy efficiency.

If you have ceiling fans in your home, the DOE says you can move thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees warmer without sacrificing comfort. That’s due to the fact they refresh by a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not rooms, switch them off when you leave a room.

If 78 degrees still appears too warm on the surface, try conducting an experiment for about a week. Get started by increasing your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, steadily lower it while following the advice above. You may be astonished at how cool you feel at a warmer temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no need to keep the air conditioning running all day while your residence is vacant. Switching the temp 7¬¬–10 degrees higher can save you anywhere from 5–15% on your electrical costs, according to the DOE.

When you get home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your house more quickly. This isn’t effective and usually produces a higher air conditioner expense.

A programmable thermostat is a helpful approach to keep your settings in check, but you need to set programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you risk forgetting to move the set temperature when you go.

If you want a convenient resolution, consider getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it knows when you’re at your house and when you’re out. Then it intuitively adjusts temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? Usually $180 yearly on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another advantage of having 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 suggests 82 degrees, that may be unbearable for many families. The majority of 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, based on your pajama and blanket preference.

We recommend following a similar test over a week, setting your temperature higher and gradually turning it down to determine the ideal setting for your residence. On cool nights, you could find keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a preferable option than running the air conditioner.

More Approaches to Save Energy During Warm Weather

There are other methods you can spend less money on AC bills throughout hot weather.

1. Get an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they become older. An updated air conditioner can keep your house comfier while keeping electricity
costs small.
2. Book annual air conditioning service. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment working like it should and might help it run more efficiently. It can also help extend its life expectancy, since it helps professionals to spot little issues before they lead to a major meltdown.
3. Replace air filters frequently. Follow manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A dirty filter can cause your system to short cycle, or turn on and off too frequently, and increase your energy
costs.
4. Measure attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of residences in the United States 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”.
5. Have your ductwork checked. Ductwork that has separated over time can seep cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can result in big comfort troubles in your house, such as hot and cold spots.
6. Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep warm air in its place by sealing cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more cold air inside.

Use Less Energy This Summer with Northglenn Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc.

If you need to conserve more energy during warm weather, our Northglenn Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. professionals can help. Reach us at 303-452-4146 or contact us online for extra information about our energy-efficient cooling solutions.