You shouldn’t need to sacrifice comfort or drain your wallet to keep your house at a refreshing temperature during the summer.
But what is the ideal setting, exactly? We discuss suggestions from energy pros 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 Albuquerque.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most people find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a sizeable difference between your inside and outdoor temps, your electrical expenses will be larger.
This is our advice based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
While at home: 78 degrees. While that sounds too high, there are ways you can keep your residence refreshing without having the AC on constantly.
Keeping windows and window treatments shut during the day keeps cool air where it belongs—indoors. Some window treatments, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to give added insulation and improved energy savings.
If you have ceiling fans in your residence, the DOE says you can move thermostat temps about 4 degrees hotter without giving up comfort. That’s because they refresh through a windchill effect. As they cool people, not areas, shut them off when you exit a room.
If 78 degrees still seems too warm on the surface, try conducting a trial for about a week. Get started by upping your setting to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, steadily turn it down while adhering to the advice above. You may be shocked at how comfortable you feel at a warmer temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no need to keep the air conditioner working all day while your house is empty. Switching the temp 7–10 degrees hotter can save you as much as 5–15% on your electrical expenses, according to the DOE.
When you get home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat under 78 to cool your house more rapidly. This isn’t effective and often produces a bigger electricity cost.
A programmable thermostat is a helpful approach to keep your settings in check, but it requires setting programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you risk forgetting to change the set temperature when you go.
If you want a convenient solution, think over installing a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it is aware when you’re at your house and when you’re away. Then it automatically modifies temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? Usually $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another advantage of using a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to watch and regulate temperature settings from nearly anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR recommends 82 degrees, that might be unpleasant for the majority of families. Most people sleep better when their sleeping area is chilly, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation recommends 60–67 degrees. But that may be too chilly, depending on your pajama and blanket preference.
We suggest using a similar test over a week, putting your thermostat higher and steadily lowering it to locate the ideal temperature for your residence. On cool nights, you could learn keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a superior idea than running the air conditioner.
More Approaches to Conserve Energy This Summer
There are other ways you can save money on cooling bills throughout the summer.
- Get an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they age. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your house cooler while keeping electrical bills low.
- Book yearly air conditioner maintenance. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit working smoothly and may help it work at better efficiency. It can also help lengthen its life cycle, since it helps professionals to discover small issues before they lead to a major meltdown.
- Replace air filters often. Use manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A clogged filter can result in your system short cycling, or run too often, and raise your energy.
- Measure attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of homes in the U.S. don’t have adequate insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Most southern climates should have 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates need 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork examined. Ductwork that has loosened over time can seep cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to huge comfort troubles in your residence, like hot and cold spots.
- Seal openings, doors and windows. Keep muggy air where it should be by sealing holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more cool air indoors.
Use Less Energy This Summer with Tru Air Systems LLC
If you want to use less energy this summer, our Tru Air Systems LLC pros can provide assistance. Get in touch with us at 505-226-3525 or contact us online for more info about our energy-saving cooling solutions.