You shouldn’t need to sacrifice comfort or drain your wallet to keep your residence at a refreshing temperature during muggy weather.
But what is the best temp, exactly? We review recommendations from energy experts so you can determine the best temperature for your loved ones.
Here’s what we recommend for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Vero Beach.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most families find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a sizeable difference between your indoor and outdoor warmth, your utility expenses will be higher.
These are our suggestions based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
While at home: 78 degrees. While that sounds warm, there are ways you can keep your house refreshing without having the air conditioner going frequently.
Keeping windows and blinds closed during the day keeps cool air where it should be—within your home. Some window coverings, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to give more insulation and better energy efficiency.
If you have ceiling fans in your home, the DOE says you can move thermostat settings about 4 degrees hotter without giving up comfort. That’s due to the fact they freshen through a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not spaces, switch them off when you move from a room.
If 78 degrees still seems too hot on the surface, try doing a test for a week or so. Begin by upping your setting to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, gradually decrease it while adhering to the suggestions above. You might be shocked at how cool you feel at a higher temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no need to keep the air conditioner going all day while your residence is unoccupied. Moving the setting 7–10 degrees warmer can save you an estimated 5–15% on your cooling expenses, according to the DOE.
When you come home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat below 78 to cool your house faster. This isn’t useful and often leads to a more expensive electrical expense.
A programmable thermostat is a good method to keep your settings under control, but you need to set programs. If you don’t set programs, you run the risk of forgetting to raise the set temperature when you take off.
If you need a handy resolution, think about installing a smart thermostat. This thermostat works with with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at your house and when you’re away. Then it intuitively adjusts temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? Typically $180 yearly on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another plus of having a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to monitor and change temperature settings from almost anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR recommends 82 degrees, that could be unbearable for many families. The majority of people sleep better when their sleeping area is chilled, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation advises 60–67 degrees. But that could be too cold, due to your PJ and blanket preference.
We advise using a similar test over a week, putting your temp higher and progressively turning it down to determine the right temperature for your house. On cool nights, you might learn keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a superior option than using the air conditioner.
More Methods to Use Less Energy During Warm Weather
There are added approaches you can save money on utility bills throughout hot weather.
- Get an energy-efficient air conditioning system. Central air conditioners only are effective for about 12–15 years and become less efficient as they become older. A new air conditioner can keep your house comfier while keeping electrical bills small.
- Set annual air conditioner service. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment running properly and could help it operate at greater efficiency. It might also help extend its life expectancy, since it allows techs to find small issues before they lead to a major meltdown.
- Replace air filters regularly. Read manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A dusty filter can cause your system to short cycle, or switch on and off too much, and increase your electrical.
- Measure attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of homes in the USA don’t have adequate insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Many southern climates need 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates should have 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork checked. Ductwork that has loosened over time can seep cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create huge comfort problems in your house, including hot and cold spots.
- Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep muggy air where it should be by closing cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more cold air inside.
Conserve More Energy This Summer with Temp Control of Vero Beach
If you want to use less energy during hot weather, our Temp Control of Vero Beach pros can provide assistance. Reach us at 772-356-0617 or contact us online for extra information about our energy-saving cooling products.