You shouldn’t be forced to compromise on comfort or empty your wallet to keep your residence at a pleasant temp during warm days.
But what is the best temp, exactly? We discuss ideas from energy experts so you can choose the best temp for your loved ones.
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 ideal. However, if there’s a big difference between your inside and outdoor temps, your utility 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 sounds warm, there are approaches you can keep your house pleasant without having the AC on all the time.
Keeping windows and curtains closed during the day keeps cool air where it needs to be—indoors. Some window coverings, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to give more insulation and enhanced energy efficiency.
If you have ceiling fans in your residence, the DOE says you can raise thermostat temps about 4 degrees warmer without sacrificing comfort. That’s since they freshen by a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not areas, turn them off when you move from a room.
If 78 degrees still feels too uncomfortable on the surface, try running a trial for approximately a week. Get started by increasing your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, steadily decrease it while following the suggestions above. You may be amazed at how cool you feel at a higher temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no need to keep the AC going all day while your home is empty. Switching the temp 7–10 degrees hotter can save you as much as 5–15% on your AC costs, according to the DOE.
When you come home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat below 78 to cool your home more rapidly. This isn’t effective and often leads to a bigger air conditioner expense.
A programmable thermostat is a useful way to keep your temp in check, but you have to set programs. If you don’t set programs, you risk forgetting to raise the set temperature when you go.
If you’re looking for a convenient fix, think over getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it knows when you’re at your house and when you’re away. Then it automatically changes temperature settings for the best savings. How much exactly? Typically $180 annually on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another perk of getting a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to watch and regulate temperature settings from nearly anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR suggests 82 degrees, that might be unpleasant for most families. The majority of people sleep better when their sleeping space is cold, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation advises 60–67 degrees. But that might be too cold, due to your clothing and blanket preference.
We suggest using a similar test over a week, moving your thermostat higher and progressively lowering it to pick the ideal temp for your house. On pleasant nights, you could find keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a preferable idea than using the air conditioning.
More Ways to Use Less Energy During Warm Weather
There are extra approaches you can conserve money on cooling bills throughout warm weather.
- Install an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only work for about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they become older. A new air conditioner can keep your home comfier while keeping energy bills down.
- Book regular air conditioner tune-ups. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment working properly and might help it operate more efficiently. It can also help lengthen its life cycle, since it helps professionals to uncover seemingly insignificant problems before they cause a major meltdown.
- Replace air filters regularly. Read manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A dusty filter can lead to your system short cycling, or run too frequently, and raise your utility.
- Inspect attic insulation levels. Just about 90% of residences in the USA don’t have enough insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Many southern climates need 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates require 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork inspected. Ductwork that has separated over time can let cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to major comfort issues in your house, like hot and cold spots.
- Seal openings, doors and windows. Keep humid air in its place by sealing openings. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more cold air indoors.
Conserve More Energy During Warm Weather with Redhawk Heating & Air Conditioning
If you need to save more energy during warm weather, our Redhawk Heating & Air Conditioning experts can provide assistance. Get in touch with us at 432-237-0168 or contact us online for additional information about our energy-saving cooling products.
