You shouldn’t have to give up comfort or spend a lot to keep your home at a pleasant temp during warm days.
But what is the ideal temperature, exactly? We review ideas from energy professionals so you can choose the best temperature for your house.
Here’s what we recommend for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Phoenix.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most people find placing the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a major difference between your indoor and outside warmth, your AC bills will be higher.
These are our recommendations based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
While at home: 78 degrees. While that appears hot, there are ways you can keep your residence pleasant without having the AC on constantly.
Keeping windows and window treatments closed during the day keeps cool air where it needs to be—inside. Some window coverings, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to give more insulation and enhanced energy efficiency.
If you have ceiling fans in your home, the DOE says you can raise thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees higher without giving up comfort. That’s because they freshen through a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not spaces, turn them off when you leave a room.
If 78 degrees still feels too hot on the surface, try conducting a trial for about a week. Start by upping your setting to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, progressively lower it while following the ideas above. You could be amazed at how refreshed you feel at a higher temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no reason to keep the air conditioner running all day while your house is unoccupied. Switching the setting 7¬¬–10 degrees higher can save you as much as 5–15% on your electrical expenses, according to the DOE.
When you arrive home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat below 78 to cool your residence faster. This isn’t productive and usually leads to a bigger cooling bills.
A programmable thermostat is a helpful method to keep your settings under control, but you have to set programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you might forget to move the set temperature when you go.
If you’re looking for a convenient fix, think over getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it knows when you’re at your residence and when you’re out. Then it automatically adjusts temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? About $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another advantage of getting a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to monitor and change temperature settings from nearly anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR recommends 82 degrees, that might be unbearable for the majority of families. The majority of people sleep better when their sleeping space is chilled, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation advises 60–67 degrees. But that may be too cold, based on your clothing and blanket preference.
We advise running a comparable test over a week, setting your temperature higher and progressively turning it down to select the best setting for your house. On pleasant nights, you might learn keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a preferable solution than operating the air conditioning.
More Methods to Conserve Energy During Hot Weather
There are other methods you can spend less money on utility bills throughout hot weather.
- Upgrade to an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only work for about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they become older. A new air conditioner can keep your home comfier while keeping utility
expenses low. - Schedule annual AC service. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your system running properly and might help it run at greater efficiency. It may also help lengthen its life expectancy, since it enables technicians to spot little troubles before they cause a major meltdown.
- Put in new air filters frequently. Use manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A dirty filter can result in your system short cycling, or turn on and off too much, and raise your energy
costs. - 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 should have 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork checked. Ductwork that has loosened over time can leak cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to big comfort problems in your house, such as hot and cold spots.
- Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep humid air in its place by sealing holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more cool air indoors.
Use Less Energy During Hot Weather with Dial One Mears Air Conditioning & Heating Inc
If you need to conserve more energy this summer, our Dial One Mears Air Conditioning & Heating Inc experts can provide assistance. Reach us at 602-832-7808 or contact us online for additional information about our energy-saving cooling products.