You shouldn’t be forced to sacrifice comfort or drain your wallet to keep your home at a pleasant setting during muggy weather.
But what is the best setting, exactly? We go over recommendations from energy pros so you can find the best setting for your home.
Here’s what we suggest for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Myrtle Beach.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most families find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a sizeable difference between your inside and outdoor temperatures, your AC bills 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 home refreshing without having the AC running all the time.
Keeping windows and window treatments shut during the day keeps cool air where it belongs—indoors. Some window solutions, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to deliver more insulation and improved energy conservation.
If you have ceiling fans in your home, the DOE says you can move thermostat settings about 4 degrees warmer without giving up comfort. That’s since they refresh through a windchill effect. As they cool people, not areas, turn them off when you move from a room.
If 78 degrees still seems too hot on the surface, try doing a test for about a week. Start by raising your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, steadily turn it down while adhering to the suggestions above. You could be amazed at how cool you feel at a hotter temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no need to keep the air conditioning running all day while your house is unoccupied. Moving the temperature 7–10 degrees warmer can save you as much as 5–15% on your electricity expenses, according to the DOE.
When you come home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your house more quickly. This isn’t productive and often produces a more expensive electricity cost.
A programmable thermostat is a helpful approach to keep your settings under control, but you have to set programs. If you don’t set programs, you risk forgetting to raise the set temperature when you leave.
If you need a handy remedy, consider installing a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it knows when you’re at your house and when you’re out. Then it automatically adjusts temperature settings for the best savings. How much exactly? About $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another perk of using a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to monitor and change temperature settings from nearly anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR advises 82 degrees, that might be too uncomfortable for many 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 could be too cold, depending on your PJ and blanket preference.
We advise trying a comparable test over a week, setting your temp higher and steadily lowering it to pinpoint the right temp for your residence. On pleasant nights, you could discover keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a superior option than running the air conditioner.
More Ways to Save Energy This Summer
There are other methods you can spend less money on AC bills throughout hot weather.
- Install an energy-efficient AC system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they become older. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your home comfier while keeping electricity costs low.
- Set regular air conditioner tune-ups. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your system operating smoothly and may help it operate at better efficiency. It could also help extend its life cycle, since it allows techs to pinpoint small problems before they cause a major meltdown.
- Replace air filters often. Follow 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 energy.
- Measure attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of homes in the United States don’t have proper insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Most southern climates need 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates require 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork inspected. Ductwork that has come apart over time can seep cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can result in major comfort problems in your home, like hot and cold spots.
- Seal openings, doors and windows. Keep muggy air in its place by sealing cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more cool air indoors.
Use Less Energy During Warm Weather with Polar Air & Mechanical
If you need to use less energy this summer, our Polar Air & Mechanical professionals can assist you. Reach us at 843-253-4874 or contact us online for more details about our energy-saving cooling options.
