Whats the Most Energy-Efficient AC Setting?

You shouldn’t have to sacrifice comfort or spend a lot to keep your house at a refreshing temp during summer weather.

But what is the best temperature, exactly? We go over suggestions from energy specialists so you can select the best setting for your family.

Here’s what we advise for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Long Island.

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most people find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees provides ideal comfort. However, if there’s a major difference between your interior and exterior temperatures, your electricity bills will be greater.

This is our advice 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 residence refreshing without having the air conditioner going frequently.

Keeping windows and blinds closed during the day keeps chilled air where it belongs—indoors. Some window solutions, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to deliver added insulation and improved energy efficiency.

If you have ceiling fans in your residence, the DOE says you can increase thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees hotter without sacrificing comfort. That’s because they refresh by a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not areas, shut them off when you exit a room.

If 78 degrees still feels too uncomfortable initially, try running a trial for approximately a week. Begin by upping your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, progressively turn it down while using the tips above. You could be astonished at how refreshed you feel at a warmer temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no reason to keep the AC working all day while your residence is empty. Moving the temperature 7¬¬–10 degrees higher can save you an estimated 5–15% on your AC expenses, according to the DOE.

When you come home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat below 78 to cool your residence faster. This isn’t productive and usually produces a more expensive electricity expense.

A programmable thermostat is a good method to keep your temp under control, but it requires setting programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you run the risk of forgetting to change the set temperature when you go.

If you’re looking for a handy resolution, consider installing a smart thermostat. This thermostat works with with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at home and when you’re away. Then it intuitively changes temperature settings for the best savings. How much exactly? About $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another benefit of getting a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to watch and change temperature settings from just about anywhere.

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

We recommend running an equivalent test over a week, putting your temp higher and slowly lowering it to find the best temperature for your family. On pleasant nights, you might learn keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a superior idea than running the air conditioning.

More Ways to Save Energy During Hot Weather

There are additional ways you can save money on AC bills throughout warm weather.

1. Buy an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they become older. An updated air conditioner can keep your residence comfier while keeping electricity
bills down.
2. Set yearly air conditioning tune-ups. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit working like it should and may help it work at better efficiency. It could also help extend its life span, since it enables professionals to uncover little troubles before they lead to a big meltdown.
3. Put in new air filters frequently. Use manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A clogged filter can cause your system to short cycle, or switch on and off too frequently, and increase your utility
costs.
4. Inspect attic insulation levels. Just about 90% of residences in the United States 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”.
5. Have your ductwork examined. Ductwork that has loosened as it’s aged can seep conditioned air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can result in huge comfort troubles in your house, such as hot and cold spots.
6. Seal openings, doors and windows. Keep warm air where it should be by sealing cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more cool air within your home.

Use Less Energy This Summer with Airmax Long Island Inc

If you want to use less energy during hot weather, our Airmax Long Island Inc specialists can provide assistance. Give us a call at 631-737-5566 or contact us online for additional info about our energy-efficient cooling solutions.