You shouldn’t be forced to give up comfort or drain your wallet to keep your residence at the right setting during summer weather.
But what is the right setting, exactly? We go over advice from energy experts so you can choose the best temperature for your home.
Here’s what we advise for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Port St. Lucie.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most households find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a huge difference between your interior and exterior warmth, your cooling expenses 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 too high, there are methods you can keep your home pleasant without having the air conditioner running frequently.
Keeping windows and window treatments closed during the day keeps chilled air where it should be—inside. Some window solutions, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to deliver more insulation and enhanced energy conservation.
If you have ceiling fans in your house, the DOE says you can increase thermostat settings about 4 degrees hotter without giving up comfort. That’s because they freshen by a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not rooms, shut them off when you move from a room.
If 78 degrees still seems too uncomfortable initially, try conducting a trial for about a week. Start by increasing your setting to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, gradually turn it down while adhering to the advice above. You might be astonished at how refreshed you feel at a hotter temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no reason to keep the AC going all day while your house is unoccupied. Moving the setting 7–10 degrees warmer can save you as much as 5–15% on your cooling costs, according to the DOE.
When you get home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your residence more rapidly. This isn’t productive and often leads to a more expensive AC cost.
A programmable thermostat is a useful approach to keep your temp under control, but you need to set programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you risk forgetting to raise the set temperature when you leave.
If you need a handy solution, think over buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat works with with your phone, so it knows when you’re at your house and when you’re away. Then it instinctively modifies temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? An estimated $180 yearly on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another benefit of getting a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to keep an eye on and adjust temperature settings from almost anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR advises 82 degrees, that might be too uncomfortable for most families. Most people sleep better when their sleeping area is chilly, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation suggests 65–68 degrees. But that could be too cool, due to your PJ and blanket preference.
We recommend using an equivalent test over a week, putting your thermostat higher and gradually lowering it to determine the ideal temp for your residence. On pleasant nights, you could find keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a preferable idea than operating the air conditioner.
More Methods to Save Energy This Summer
There are added approaches you can spend less money on cooling bills throughout warm weather.
- Get an energy-efficient AC system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they get older. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your house comfier while keeping electrical expenses low.
- Schedule yearly air conditioner tune-ups. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your system operating smoothly and might help it operate at better efficiency. It might also help lengthen its life expectancy, since it helps pros to uncover small issues before they create a major meltdown.
- Replace air filters frequently. Use manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A dusty filter can lead to your system short cycling, or turn on and off too frequently, and increase your utility.
- Check attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of houses in the United States don’t have enough insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Most southern climates need 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates need 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork inspected. Ductwork that has loosened over time can seep cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create big comfort problems in your home, like hot and cold spots.
- Seal openings, doors and windows. Keep muggy air where it belongs by sealing openings. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more cool air indoors.
Save More Energy This Summer with True Temp
If you need to use less energy during warm weather, our True Temp pros can provide assistance. Reach us at 772-362-5470 or contact us online for extra details about our energy-saving cooling options.