Summer is here, and that means the heat is too! There is no doubt your air conditioner will be put to its full use this season. But with prices everywhere consistently rising everywhere, we understand how paying for high energy bills can be stressful. Unfortunately, there is no way you can get officially get out of paying for energy bills, but you can, in fact, cut back and save a few extra cents where energy consumption is concerned. So, how do you go about this? Luckily, your Westerville Air Conditioning & Heating experts can direct you to help find the most energy-efficient temperature setting for your AC that will keep your family comfortable while still keeping your energy usage controlled this summer.
IS THERE A SUGGESTED ENERGY-EFFICIENT TEMPERATURE FOR THE SUMMER?
First, let’s understand the concept of energy efficiency before discussing the ideal AC temperatures. Energy efficiency means achieving the desired comfort level with minimal energy consumption. It helps in reducing our carbon footprint and saving on energy bills.
Next, the U.S. Department of Energy advises setting your thermostat to 78°F (25.5°C) during summer for optimal balance between comfort and energy efficiency. While this temperature might seem high, it is their recommended temperature. But please note that the recommended temperature is not a one-size-fits-all solution. You can start with the suggested temperature and adjust it based on your household’s preferences and requirements for energy efficiency. However, setting a lower temperature will result in higher energy costs – which is important to be mindful of.
HOW CAN YOU DETERMINE THE MOST-ENERGY EFFICIENT AC TEMPERATURE FOR YOUR HOUSEHOLD?
To find your most comfortable temperature, you’ll need to experiment a bit. Begin with the recommended starting point of 78°F and set your thermostat to this temperature for a few hours. This should give you enough time to determine if it’s comfortable for everyone in your household. After a few hours have passed, you can readjust your thermostat by 1 or 2 degrees at a time. Then continue this process over the next few days. Bear in mind that as you gradually perform this process, it will give your AC ample time to regulate the newly set temperature as well as an appropriate time to allow everyone in your household to acclimate to the temperature change too. You may find yourself surprised that when you slowly adjust to one temperature at a time, it will usually turn out to be much more comfortable than you thought, leaving you to be much more at peace with a more energy-efficient temp.
WHAT ARE SOME EXTRA TIPS & TRICKS REGARDING YOUR ENERGY EFFICIENCY?
- To keep your home cool, it’s recommended to close your blinds or curtains during peak sunlight hours to minimize heat from entering.
- To prevent heat from entering through windows, consider using energy-efficient window coverings or reflective films. Even though it may seem like a small change, it can make a significant impact.
- Make sure to seal any air leaks in your windows, doors, and ductwork. This will stop cool air from getting out and hot air from getting in.
- To reduce the strain on your cooling system, it’s best not to use appliances that generate heat during peak hours in the daytime.
- If you don’t already have one, it may be helpful to use a smart thermostat. It can learn your routines and automatically adjust the temperature when no one is at home.
It is possible to find a sweet spot where personal comfort and sustainability meet. Don’t forget we are always here to serve you! Call Westerville Air Conditioning & Heating for all your cooling and AC needs today at (614) 810-0075, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!
