You shouldn’t need to sacrifice comfort or empty your wallet to keep your house at the right temperature during summer weather.
But what is the ideal setting, exactly? We go over ideas from energy professionals so you can choose the best setting for your loved ones.
Here’s what we advise for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Los Angeles.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most households find placing the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a big difference between your interior and outside temps, your electrical bills will be bigger.
This is our advice based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
While at home: 78 degrees. While that appears warm, there are approaches you can keep your home refreshing without having the air conditioner going all the time.
Keeping windows and blinds closed during the day keeps cool air where it should be—indoors. Some window coverings, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to deliver added insulation and enhanced energy efficiency.
If you have ceiling fans in your house, the DOE says you can raise thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees hotter without sacrificing comfort. That’s since they freshen through a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not spaces, shut them off when you move from a room.
If 78 degrees still feels too warm at first glance, try running a test for a week or so. Begin by increasing your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, steadily decrease it while adhering to the advice above. You might be astonished at how comfortable you feel at a higher temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no reason to keep the air conditioning running all day while your residence is vacant. Moving the temperature 7¬¬–10 degrees higher can save you an estimated 5–15% on your electricity costs, according to the DOE.
When you get home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat under 78 to cool your home more quickly. This isn’t effective and typically results in a more expensive cooling bills.
A programmable thermostat is a good method to keep your settings under control, but it requires setting programs. If you don’t use programs, you might forget to move the set temperature when you go.
If you want a hassle-free resolution, think about buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it is aware when you’re at your residence and when you’re out. Then it automatically adjusts temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? Usually $180 annually on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another advantage of getting a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to watch and change temperature settings from almost anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR advises 82 degrees, that might be unpleasant for the majority of families. Many people sleep better when their sleeping space is chilly, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation advises 60–67 degrees. But that might be too cool, depending on your clothing and blanket preference.
We suggest running a comparable test over a week, setting your temperature higher and slowly decreasing it to locate the best temp for your residence. On mild nights, you could discover keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a better option than operating the AC.
More Approaches to Use Less Energy During Warm Weather
There are other approaches you can spend less money on cooling bills throughout warm weather.
- Buy an energy-efficient air conditioning system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they get older. An updated air conditioner can keep your house cooler while keeping AC
costs low. - Set regular air conditioner tune-ups. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment working properly and might help it operate at greater efficiency. It could also help extend its life expectancy, since it enables techs to pinpoint seemingly insignificant troubles before they lead to a major meltdown.
- Change air filters regularly. Read manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A clogged filter can result in your system short cycling, or run too frequently, and raise your electricity
costs. - Check attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of homes in the United States don’t have enough insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Most southern climates require 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates require 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork checked. Ductwork that has separated over the years can let cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create big comfort troubles in your residence, like hot and cold spots.
- Seal openings, doors and windows. Keep hot air where it should be by closing holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more conditioned air inside.
Save More Energy This Summer with AZ Air Conditioning and Heating
If you are looking to save more energy during warm weather, our AZ Air Conditioning and Heating professionals can assist you. Get in touch with us at 800-296-5088 or contact us online for more info about our energy-efficient cooling products.