You shouldn’t be forced to compromise on comfort or empty your wallet to keep your house at a pleasant temp during warm days.
But what is the best temp, exactly? We review suggestions from energy professionals so you can select the best temperature for your home.
Here’s what we recommend for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Cape Coral.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most people find placing the thermostat at 72-73 degrees provides ideal comfort. However, if there’s a big difference between your inside and outdoor temps, your utility costs will be greater.
These are our suggestions based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
While at home: 78 degrees. While that sounds hot, there are approaches you can keep your home refreshing without having the air conditioner running constantly.
Keeping windows and curtains closed 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 provide more insulation and enhanced energy conservation.
If you have ceiling fans in your residence, the DOE says you can raise thermostat settings about 4 degrees higher without compromising comfort. That’s because they refresh through a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not areas, turn them off when you leave a room.
If 78 degrees still feels too warm initially, try conducting a test for about a week. Begin by increasing your setting to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, gradually turn it down while following the suggestions above. You could be astonished at how cool you feel at a warmer temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no reason to keep the air conditioning working all day while your house is empty. Moving the temp 7¬¬–10 degrees higher can save you an estimated 5–15% on your air conditioning expenses, according to the DOE.
When you come home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat under 78 to cool your home more quickly. This isn’t useful and typically produces a bigger cooling cost.
A programmable thermostat is a useful approach to keep your temp in check, but you need to set programs. If you don’t set programs, you risk forgetting to increase the set temperature when you leave.
If you want a convenient solution, consider buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at your residence and when you’re away. Then it automatically modifies temperature settings for the best savings. How much exactly? An estimated $180 yearly on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another advantage of getting a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to monitor and adjust temperature settings from just about anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR recommends 82 degrees, that might be unbearable for the majority of families. The majority of people sleep better when their bedroom is chilly, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation advises 60–67 degrees. But that might be too cool, due to your clothing and blanket preference.
We suggest following a similar test over a week, setting your temperature higher and slowly turning it down to determine the best temp for your family. On mild nights, you may learn keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a better idea than running the AC.
More Approaches to Save Energy During Warm Weather
There are added methods you can conserve money on utility bills throughout the summer.
- Install an energy-efficient air conditioning system. Central air conditioners only work for about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they become older. An updated air conditioner can keep your residence more comfortable while keeping energy
expenses low. - Schedule regular AC service. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your system running like it should and may help it run more efficiently. It could also help extend its life span, since it allows pros to spot small troubles before they lead to an expensive meltdown.
- Replace air filters regularly. Use manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A clogged filter can result in your system short cycling, or switch on and off too much, and increase your energy
bills. - Measure attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of homes in the U.S. don’t have adequate insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Many southern climates should have 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates should have 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork inspected. Ductwork that has come apart as it’s aged can seep cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to big comfort issues in your home, like hot and cold spots.
- Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep warm air where it should be by closing cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more cold air within your home.
Use Less Energy This Summer with Comfort Zone, LLC
If you are looking to conserve more energy during hot weather, our Comfort Zone, LLC pros can assist you. Give us a call at 239-214-0411 or contact us online for additional information about our energy-conserving cooling options.