You shouldn’t have to sacrifice comfort or empty your wallet to keep your residence at the right temp during muggy weather.
But what is the ideal setting, exactly? We go over recommendations from energy professionals so you can find the best setting for your house.
Here’s what we suggest for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Fort Lauderdale.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most households find placing the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a big difference between your inside and outdoor warmth, your cooling expenses will be higher.
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 house refreshing without having the air conditioner running frequently.
Keeping windows and curtains closed during the day keeps chilled air where it should be—inside. Some window treatments, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to provide added insulation and better energy efficiency.
If you have ceiling fans in your home, the DOE says you can move thermostat settings about 4 degrees warmer without compromising comfort. That’s since they cool by a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not spaces, shut them off when you move from a room.
If 78 degrees still seems too warm initially, try conducting an experiment for about a week. Begin by increasing your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, steadily decrease it while following the advice above. You may be amazed at how cool you feel at a higher temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no need to keep the air conditioner on all day while your house is vacant. Turning the setting 7¬¬–10 degrees higher can save you anywhere from 5–15% on your electrical bills, according to the DOE.
When you arrive home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat below 78 to cool your residence more quickly. This isn’t productive and typically leads to a higher cooling expense.
A programmable thermostat is a good approach to keep your temperature in check, but you need to set programs. If you don’t set programs, you might forget to raise the set temperature when you take off.
If you’re looking for a handy remedy, consider getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at your house and when you’re away. Then it instinctively modifies temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? About $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another plus of using a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to watch and adjust temperature settings from just about anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR advises 82 degrees, that could be unpleasant for the majority of families. Most people sleep better when their sleeping area is cold, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation suggests 60–67 degrees. But that might be too chilly, depending on your pajama and blanket preference.
We suggest trying a similar test over a week, putting your temp higher and steadily turning it down to determine the ideal temp for your family. On pleasant nights, you could find keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a preferable solution than operating the AC.
More Ways to Conserve Energy During Hot Weather
There are additional methods you can spend less money on cooling bills throughout warm weather.
- Buy an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only work for about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they become older. A new air conditioner can keep your residence comfier while keeping AC
bills low. - Schedule annual air conditioning maintenance. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your system running properly and may help it run more efficiently. It may also help extend its life expectancy, since it allows technicians to spot small troubles before they cause an expensive meltdown.
- Switch air filters often. Follow manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A dirty filter can result in your system short cycling, or run too often, and increase your utility
costs. - Inspect attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of residences in the U.S. don’t have proper insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. The majority of southern climates require 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates require 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork checked. Ductwork that has loosened over the years can let cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create big comfort problems in your residence, like hot and cold spots.
- Seal openings, doors and windows. Keep humid air in its place by closing cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more cool air inside.
Conserve More Energy This Summer with Solar Air Inc.
If you are looking to conserve more energy during hot weather, our Solar Air Inc. pros can provide assistance. Get in touch with us at 954-320-7398 or contact us online for additional information about our energy-efficient cooling products.