You shouldn’t be forced to sacrifice comfort or empty your wallet to keep your home at a pleasant temp during hot days.
But what is the ideal temp, exactly? We go over ideas from energy experts so you can choose the best temp for your home.
Here’s what we recommend for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Edmond.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most people find setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a major difference between your indoor and outdoor warmth, your electricity costs will be larger.
These are our recommendations based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
While at home: 78 degrees. While that seems warm, there are methods you can keep your home cool without having the air conditioning going all the time.
Keeping windows and curtains shut during the day keeps cold air where it needs to be—within your home. Some window coverings, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to deliver extra insulation and enhanced energy conservation.
If you have ceiling fans in your residence, the DOE says you can increase thermostat settings about 4 degrees warmer without compromising comfort. That’s since they cool by a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not spaces, shut them off when you leave a room.
If 78 degrees still feels too warm at first glance, try conducting a trial for approximately a week. Start by upping your setting to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, progressively lower it while adhering to the ideas above. You might be shocked at how comfortable you feel at a higher temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no need to keep the air conditioning running all day while your residence is unoccupied. Moving the setting 7–10 degrees warmer can save you anywhere from 5–15% on your air conditioning expenses, according to the DOE.
When you get home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat under 78 to cool your home more rapidly. This isn’t productive and typically produces a bigger electricity cost.
A programmable thermostat is a helpful way to keep your temperature under control, but it requires setting programs. If you don’t set programs, you run the risk of forgetting to change the set temperature when you go.
If you’re looking for a hassle-free resolution, think over buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it knows when you’re at home and when you’re out. Then it instinctively adjusts temperature settings for the best savings. How much exactly? About $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another plus of getting a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to watch and adjust temperature settings from just about anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR recommends 82 degrees, that might be too uncomfortable for many families. Many people sleep better when their bedroom is chilled, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation suggests 65–68 degrees. But that could be too cool, due to your pajama and blanket preference.
We recommend running a similar test over a week, setting your temp higher and progressively lowering it to pinpoint the ideal temp for your residence. On pleasant nights, you may discover keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a superior solution than running the air conditioner.
More Approaches to Save Energy This Summer
There are additional approaches you can save money on utility bills throughout warm weather.
- Upgrade to an energy-efficient air conditioning system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they become older. A new air conditioner can keep your residence more comfortable while keeping energy bills low.
- Book annual air conditioner tune-ups. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit operating smoothly and might help it run at better efficiency. It could also help extend its life cycle, since it helps technicians to discover small troubles before they lead to a major meltdown.
- Switch air filters frequently. Read manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A dusty filter can cause your system to short cycle, or turn on and off too frequently, and increase your electrical.
- Measure attic insulation levels. Just about 90% of houses in the U.S. don’t have proper insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Many southern climates should have 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates require 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork inspected. Ductwork that has separated over time can let cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to huge comfort troubles in your house, like hot and cold spots.
- Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep humid air where it belongs by sealing openings. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more cool air inside.
Use Less Energy During Warm Weather with Prudhom Mechanical
If you want to use less energy during hot weather, our Prudhom Mechanical experts can help. Give us a call at 405-294-4618 or contact us online for additional information about our energy-saving cooling options.