You shouldn’t need to compromise on comfort or spend a lot to keep your house at a refreshing temp during muggy weather.
But what is the right temp, exactly? We discuss suggestions from energy specialists so you can determine the best temp for your house.
Here’s what we advise for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Houston.
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 outside warmth, your cooling bills will be bigger.
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 home cool without having the air conditioner going all the time.
Keeping windows and curtains shut during the day keeps cold air where it should be—within your home. Some window coverings, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to offer added insulation and enhanced energy conservation.
If you have ceiling fans in your home, the DOE says you can move thermostat temps about 4 degrees warmer without compromising comfort. That’s because they freshen by a windchill effect. As they cool people, not spaces, shut them off when you exit a room.
If 78 degrees still appears too hot at first glance, try running a trial for about a week. Begin by increasing your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, progressively lower it while using the tips above. You may be astonished at how cool you feel at a warmer temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the air conditioning working all day while your residence is empty. Turning the temperature 7¬¬–10 degrees warmer can save you an estimated 5–15% on your AC costs, according to the DOE.
When you get home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your home more rapidly. This isn’t effective and usually leads to a bigger air conditioner expense.
A programmable thermostat is a helpful method to keep your temp controlled, but it requires setting programs. If you don’t use programs, you run the risk of forgetting to change the set temperature when you take off.
If you want a hassle-free resolution, consider getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at your residence and when you’re gone. Then it intuitively modifies temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? About $180 annually on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another advantage of getting a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to keep an eye on and change temperature settings from nearly anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR suggests 82 degrees, that might be unpleasant for many families. Many people sleep better when their bedroom is cold, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation suggests 60–67 degrees. But that may be too cool, based on your PJ and blanket preference.
We advise trying a comparable test over a week, setting your thermostat higher and steadily turning it down to select the right temperature for your residence. On pleasant nights, you could learn keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a better solution than using the AC.
More Methods to Use Less Energy During Warm Weather
There are extra methods you can save money on cooling bills throughout warm weather.
- Get an energy-efficient air conditioning system. Central air conditioners only are effective for about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they age. A new air conditioner can keep your residence comfier while keeping electricity
bills down. - Schedule regular AC service. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment working like it should and might help it work more efficiently. It can also help prolong its life cycle, since it helps techs to uncover little troubles before they cause an expensive meltdown.
- Replace air filters often. Read manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A clogged filter can result in your system short cycling, or run too much, and drive up your utility
costs. - Check attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of residences in the USA don’t have proper insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Most southern climates require 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates need 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork examined. Ductwork that has separated over time can let conditioned air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can result in huge comfort troubles in your residence, such as hot and cold spots.
- Seal openings, doors and windows. Keep muggy air where it belongs by closing holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more cool air inside.
Use Less Energy This Summer with Marcos AC & Heating
If you are looking to use less energy this summer, our Marcos AC & Heating pros can provide assistance. Give us a call at 713-469-3357 or contact us online for additional details about our energy-efficient cooling solutions.