Whats the Most Energy-Efficient AC Setting?

You shouldn’t be forced to compromise on comfort or drain your wallet to keep your house at the right temp during warm days.

But what is the ideal setting, exactly? We discuss recommendations from energy specialists so you can determine the best temp for your family.

Here’s what we suggest for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Lake Forest.

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most households find placing the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a major difference between your indoor and outside temperatures, your utility bills will be larger.

This is our advice based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.

While at home: 78 degrees. While that seems too high, there are ways you can keep your house cool without having the air conditioning going constantly.

Keeping windows and curtains shut during the day keeps chilled air where it needs to be—within your home. Some window treatments, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to offer more insulation and enhanced energy efficiency.

If you have ceiling fans in your home, the DOE says you can move thermostat settings about 4 degrees warmer without giving up comfort. That’s due to the fact they cool through a windchill effect. As they cool people, not areas, turn them off when you move from a room.

If 78 degrees still appears too warm on the surface, try conducting a test for about a week. Begin by upping your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, gradually decrease it while adhering to the ideas above. You could be shocked at how comfortable you feel at a hotter temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the air conditioner working all day while your house is vacant. Moving the temperature 7¬¬–10 degrees higher can save you anywhere from 5–15% on your cooling expenses, according to the DOE.

When you arrive home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat below 78 to cool your home more rapidly. This isn’t useful and often results in a higher electrical expense.

A programmable thermostat is a useful method to keep your settings controlled, but it requires setting programs. If you don’t use programs, you might forget to raise the set temperature when you leave.

If you’re looking for a handy fix, think about installing a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it is aware when you’re at your residence and when you’re away. Then it automatically modifies temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? Typically $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another perk of having a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to watch and change temperature settings from almost anywhere.

While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR suggests 82 degrees, that could be too uncomfortable for the majority of families. Many people sleep better when their sleeping area is cold, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation suggests 60–67 degrees. But that could be too cold, depending on your pajama and blanket preference.

We recommend trying an equivalent test over a week, putting your temperature higher and gradually turning it down to find the right temperature for your residence. On mild nights, you might discover keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a better solution than using the air conditioner.

More Ways to Use Less Energy This Summer

There are extra approaches you can conserve money on energy bills throughout the summer.

1. Upgrade to an energy-efficient air conditioning system. Central air conditioners only are effective for about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they get older. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your residence more comfortable while keeping cooling
bills small.
2. Schedule annual air conditioning tune-ups. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit running like it should and may help it operate more efficiently. It can also help prolong its life expectancy, since it helps technicians to pinpoint little problems before they create a major meltdown.
3. Replace air filters regularly. Read manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A dusty filter can lead to your system short cycling, or switch on and off too much, and drive up your energy
costs.
4. Inspect attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of houses in the U.S. don’t have proper insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Most southern climates need 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates require 16–18”.
5. Have your ductwork examined. Ductwork that has come apart over the years can seep cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create big comfort troubles in your residence, including hot and cold spots.
6. Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep muggy air where it belongs by plugging openings. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more conditioned air inside.

Conserve More Energy During Hot Weather with 1st Choice Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc.

If you want to save more energy during warm weather, our 1st Choice Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. professionals can provide assistance. Give us a call at 949-204-0859 or contact us online for extra information about our energy-efficient cooling options.