Whats the Most Energy-Efficient AC Setting?

You shouldn’t have to give up comfort or empty your wallet to keep your residence at a pleasant setting during muggy weather.

But what is the right temp, exactly? We go over advice from energy specialists so you can determine the best temperature for your loved ones.

Here’s what we recommend for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Williamsport.

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most families find setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees provides ideal comfort. However, if there’s a huge difference between your indoor and outside temps, your AC costs will be greater.

These are our recommendations based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.

While at home: 78 degrees. While that sounds warm, there are approaches you can keep your residence refreshing without having the air conditioner going constantly.

Keeping windows and window treatments down during the day keeps cool air where it belongs—indoors. Some window coverings, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to give more insulation and better energy conservation.

If you have ceiling fans in your home, the DOE says you can raise thermostat settings about 4 degrees higher without giving up comfort. That’s because they cool by a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not areas, shut them off when you leave a room.

If 78 degrees still appears too hot on the surface, try doing a test for about a week. Start by increasing your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, steadily turn it down while using the ideas above. You could be surprised at how cool you feel at a hotter temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no reason to keep the AC running all day while your residence is empty. Moving the setting 7¬¬–10 degrees warmer can save you an estimated 5–15% on your electrical costs, according to the DOE.

When you come home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat under 78 to cool your home more quickly. This isn’t productive and often leads to a more expensive cooling cost.

A programmable thermostat is a helpful way to keep your temperature under control, but it requires setting programs. If you don’t use programs, you might forget to change the set temperature when you go.

If you need a handy fix, consider installing a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at your residence and when you’re gone. Then it automatically changes temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? About $180 yearly on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another advantage of using a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to monitor and regulate temperature settings from almost anywhere.

While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR suggests 82 degrees, that may be too uncomfortable for most families. The majority of people sleep better when their bedroom is chilled, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation advises 60–67 degrees. But that could be too chilly, depending on your clothing and blanket preference.

We recommend using a similar test over a week, moving your temp higher and steadily lowering it to determine the best setting for your residence. On pleasant nights, you could find keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a better solution than running the air conditioning.

More Approaches to Conserve Energy During Hot Weather

There are added ways you can spend less money on air conditioning bills throughout hot weather.

1. 1. Get an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only work for about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they age. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your house more comfortable while keeping electrical

costs down.

1. 1. Schedule annual AC maintenance. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your system working like it should and might help it run at better efficiency. It may also help prolong its life cycle, since it enables pros to find small issues before they create an expensive meltdown.
   2. Replace air filters often. Read manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A dusty filter can lead to your system short cycling, or switch on and off too frequently, and drive up your electrical

bills.

1. Inspect attic insulation levels. Just about 90% of residences in the U.S. don’t have enough insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. The majority of southern climates require 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates need 16–18”.
2. Have your ductwork inspected. Ductwork that has come apart over time can leak conditioned air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can result in major comfort troubles in your home, including hot and cold spots.
3. Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep warm air where it should be by sealing holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more cool air indoors.

Use Less Energy During Hot Weather with Lycoming Heating Company

If you are looking to use less energy this summer, our Lycoming Heating Company experts can provide assistance. Give us a call at 570-326-4450 or contact us online for extra details about our energy-efficient cooling solutions.