You shouldn’t need to compromise on comfort or empty your wallet to keep your home at a refreshing temp during muggy weather.
But what is the right temp, exactly? We discuss ideas from energy specialists so you can determine the best temp for your house.
Here’s what we recommend for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Fort Lauderdale.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most families find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a huge difference between your indoor and exterior temps, your AC bills 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 running constantly.
Keeping windows and window treatments closed during the day keeps cool air where it needs to be—indoors. Some window solutions, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to deliver more insulation and better energy efficiency.
If you have ceiling fans in your home, the DOE says you can increase thermostat settings about 4 degrees warmer without sacrificing comfort. That’s since they refresh through a windchill effect. As they cool people, not spaces, turn them off when you move from a room.
If 78 degrees still appears too warm on the surface, try conducting an experiment for about a week. Begin by upping your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, progressively turn it down while using the ideas above. You may be shocked at how cool you feel at a hotter temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the AC running all day while your home is empty. Turning the setting 7–10 degrees higher can save you anywhere from 5–15% on your air conditioning expenses, according to the DOE.
When you come home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your residence more rapidly. This isn’t productive and usually results in a more expensive air conditioner expense.
A programmable thermostat is a good way to keep your settings controlled, but you have to set programs. If you don’t set programs, you risk forgetting to increase the set temperature when you leave.
If you need a hassle-free solution, think about getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it is aware when you’re at your house and when you’re gone. Then it intuitively changes temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? Usually $180 annually on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another advantage of using a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to watch and change temperature settings from nearly anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR recommends 82 degrees, that could be unbearable for the majority of families. The majority of people sleep better when their bedroom is cold, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation recommends 60–67 degrees. But that may be too cold, based on your pajama and blanket preference.
We suggest using a similar test over a week, putting your thermostat higher and slowly lowering it to choose the right temperature for your family. On mild nights, you may discover keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a preferable solution than using the AC.
More Approaches to Save Energy During Warm Weather
There are additional ways you can conserve money on AC bills throughout hot weather.
- Install an energy-efficient air conditioning system. Central air conditioners only work for about 12–15 years and become less efficient as they get older. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your house more comfortable while keeping energy bills low.
- Schedule regular air conditioner maintenance. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment running like it should and might help it operate at better efficiency. It might also help lengthen its life cycle, since it allows technicians to find seemingly insignificant problems before they cause a major meltdown.
- Change air filters frequently. Use manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A clogged filter can lead to your system short cycling, or run too often, and drive up your utility.
- Inspect attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of houses in the USA don’t have enough insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Most southern climates require 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates need 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork inspected. Ductwork that has loosened over time can seep cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to big comfort troubles in your house, including hot and cold spots.
- Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep muggy air where it belongs by sealing holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more cold air indoors.
Use Less Energy During Warm Weather with Solar Air Inc.
If you need to save more energy during warm weather, our Solar Air Inc. specialists can provide assistance. Get in touch with us at 954-466-0951 or contact us online for additional details about our energy-saving cooling products.
