Whats the Most Energy-Efficient AC Setting?

You shouldn’t need to give up comfort or empty your wallet to keep your home at a refreshing temp during summer weather.

But what is the right temp, exactly? We go over ideas from energy specialists so you can find the best temp for your loved ones.

Here’s what we advise for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Cottonwood & Prescott.

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most families find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees provides ideal comfort. However, if there’s a major difference between your indoor and outdoor temps, your AC 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 appears too high, there are ways you can keep your residence refreshing without having the air conditioning going constantly.

Keeping windows and curtains shut during the day keeps cool air where it belongs—within your home. Some window treatments, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to provide more insulation and improved energy savings.

If you have ceiling fans in your residence, the DOE says you can increase thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees warmer without giving up comfort. That’s because they cool by a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not areas, shut them off when you exit a room.

If 78 degrees still feels too uncomfortable on the surface, try doing a trial for about a week. Start by raising your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, gradually turn it down while using the ideas above. You could be astonished at how refreshed you feel at a warmer temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the air conditioning working all day while your home is unoccupied. Switching the temp 7¬¬–10 degrees higher can save you as much as 5–15% on your cooling expenses, according to the DOE.

When you get home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat below 78 to cool your home faster. This isn’t effective and often leads to a more expensive cooling expense.

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

If you’re looking for a handy remedy, think over buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at your residence and when you’re away. Then it intuitively modifies temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? An estimated $180 annually on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another advantage of getting a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to watch and change temperature settings from just about anywhere.

While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR suggests 82 degrees, that may be unbearable for most 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 cold, due to your pajama and blanket preference.

We recommend trying a similar test over a week, setting your thermostat higher and progressively lowering it to find the ideal temp for your family. On pleasant nights, you could find keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a superior solution than operating the AC.

More Ways to Save Energy During Warm Weather

There are added approaches you can conserve money on air conditioning bills throughout the summer.

1. Install an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only are effective for about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they get older. A new air conditioner can keep your house more comfortable while keeping AC
costs down.
2. Schedule annual air conditioning service. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit working properly and could help it run at better efficiency. It can also help prolong its life expectancy, since it allows professionals to find little troubles before they cause a major meltdown.
3. Change air filters regularly. Read manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A dusty filter can result in your system short cycling, or switch on and off too much, and raise your energy
costs.
4. Check attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of residences in the U.S. don’t have proper 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 examined. Ductwork that has separated as it’s aged can seep cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create huge comfort troubles in your house, such as hot and cold spots.
6. Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep muggy air in its place by sealing holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more cool air within your home.

Conserve More Energy During Warm Weather with Connolly Electric & Mechanical

If you want to save more energy during hot weather, our Connolly Electric & Mechanical specialists can provide assistance. Give us a call at 928-251-4327 or contact us online for more information about our energy-efficient cooling options.