You shouldn’t have to sacrifice comfort or empty your wallet to keep your home at a pleasant temperature during hot days.
But what is the best temp, exactly? We discuss advice from energy professionals so you can determine the best temp for your residence.
Here’s what we recommend for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Odessa.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most people find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a big difference between your indoor and outside temps, your utility bills will be bigger.
These are our suggestions based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
While at home: 78 degrees. While that seems too high, there are approaches you can keep your residence refreshing without having the air conditioning running constantly.
Keeping windows and curtains shut during the day keeps chilled air where it needs to be—indoors. Some window solutions, such as 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 move thermostat temps about 4 degrees hotter without sacrificing comfort. That’s due to the fact they refresh by a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not rooms, turn them off when you leave a room.
If 78 degrees still feels too warm on the surface, try doing a trial for about a week. Begin by upping your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, progressively turn it down while following the ideas above. You might be surprised at how cool you feel at a hotter temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the AC going all day while your house is unoccupied. Switching the temp 7–10 degrees hotter can save you as much as 5–15% on your electricity bills, according to the DOE.
When you get home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your residence more rapidly. This isn’t effective and usually leads to a bigger cooling bill.
A programmable thermostat is a good approach to keep your temp in check, but you have to set programs. If you don’t use programs, you run the risk of forgetting to move the set temperature when you take off.
If you’re looking for a convenient solution, consider installing a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it is aware when you’re at home and when you’re gone. Then it intuitively adjusts temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? Usually $180 yearly on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another plus of getting a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to keep an eye on and change temperature settings from just about anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR recommends 82 degrees, that might be unpleasant for many families. Most people sleep better when their sleeping area is cold, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation recommends 65–68 degrees. But that may be too chilly, depending on your PJ and blanket preference.
We suggest trying an equivalent test over a week, putting your temp higher and slowly turning it down to choose the best setting for your house. On cool nights, you may find keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a preferable option than operating the air conditioner.
More Methods to Save Energy During Warm Weather
There are additional methods you can spend less money on AC bills throughout hot weather.
- Upgrade to an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only are effective for about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they become older. An updated air conditioner can keep your residence cooler while keeping electrical bills low.
- Schedule annual air conditioner tune-ups. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit running properly and might help it operate at greater efficiency. It can also help prolong its life expectancy, since it helps pros to pinpoint small troubles before they cause a major meltdown.
- Put in new air filters regularly. Read manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A dirty filter can cause your system to short cycle, or turn on and off too frequently, and raise your cooling.
- Check attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of homes in the United States don’t have adequate insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Most southern climates require 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates need 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork checked. Ductwork that has loosened over time can leak conditioned air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to major comfort issues in your home, including hot and cold spots.
- Seal openings, doors and windows. Keep hot air where it belongs by plugging openings. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more cool air inside.
Use Less Energy During Warm Weather with Redhawk Heating & Air Conditioning
If you want to conserve more energy during hot weather, our Redhawk Heating & Air Conditioning experts can help. Reach us at 432-289-6309 or contact us online for more details about our energy-saving cooling options.
