You shouldn’t have to give up comfort or empty your wallet to keep your house at the right temp during warm days.
But what is the right temp, exactly? We review suggestions from energy experts so you can determine the best setting for your family.
Here’s what we suggest for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Naples.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most households find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a big difference between your inside and outdoor temps, your cooling bills will be higher.
This is our advice based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
While at home: 78 degrees. While that sounds warm, there are approaches you can keep your home pleasant without having the air conditioning going constantly.
Keeping windows and blinds closed during the day keeps chilled air where it should be—within your home. Some window solutions, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to deliver added insulation and better energy conservation.
If you have ceiling fans in your residence, the DOE says you can raise thermostat settings about 4 degrees hotter without giving up comfort. That’s since they freshen with a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not spaces, shut them off when you exit a room.
If 78 degrees still seems too hot at first glance, try doing an experiment for approximately a week. Get started by upping your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, gradually lower it while following the suggestions above. You might be amazed at how cool you feel at a hotter temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no need to keep the air conditioning going all day while your residence is empty. Switching the setting 7¬¬–10 degrees hotter can save you as much as 5–15% on your AC bills, according to the DOE.
When you come home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your house more rapidly. This isn’t useful and typically leads to a higher AC bills.
A programmable thermostat is a good way to keep your settings controlled, but you have to set programs. If you don’t set programs, you might forget to move the set temperature when you take off.
If you need a convenient solution, consider buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat works with with your phone, so it is aware when you’re at your house and when you’re away. Then it automatically modifies temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? Typically $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another plus of installing a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to keep an eye on and adjust temperature settings from nearly anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR advises 82 degrees, that might be unbearable for many families. Most people sleep better when their sleeping space is chilly, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation advises 60–67 degrees. But that might be too cool, based on your pajama and blanket preference.
We advise using an equivalent test over a week, moving your temperature higher and progressively lowering it to pinpoint the best temperature for your family. On cool nights, you may find keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a superior option than using the air conditioner.
More Approaches to Use Less Energy During Warm Weather
There are other methods you can save money on AC bills throughout hot weather.
- Buy an energy-efficient AC system. Central air conditioners only work for about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they age. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your residence cooler while keeping electricity
expenses small. - Schedule yearly AC maintenance. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment operating properly and may help it operate at greater efficiency. It might also help prolong its life span, since it helps professionals to uncover seemingly insignificant problems before they cause a big meltdown.
- Switch air filters regularly. Use manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A clogged filter can result in your system short cycling, or switch on and off too often, and raise your energy
expenses. - Check attic insulation levels. Just about 90% of houses in the United States don’t have adequate insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Most southern climates need 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates require 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork examined. Ductwork that has separated as it’s aged can let cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can result in big comfort issues in your residence, such as hot and cold spots.
- Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep humid air where it should be by sealing openings. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more cool air indoors.
Use Less Energy During Hot Weather with Speedy Air Conditioning
If you want to use less energy during warm weather, our Speedy Air Conditioning pros can help. Get in touch with us at 239-244-3439 or contact us online for additional info about our energy-conserving cooling products.