You shouldn’t be forced to compromise on comfort or drain your wallet to keep your residence at the right temp during hot days.
But what is the right temp, exactly? We go over recommendations from energy experts so you can select the best temperature for your house.
Here’s what we recommend 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 ideal. However, if there’s a big difference between your interior and outdoor warmth, your AC expenses will be greater.
This is our advice based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
While at home: 78 degrees. While that appears too high, there are ways you can keep your home pleasant without having the air conditioner running all the time.
Keeping windows and blinds down during the day keeps cold air where it belongs—inside. Some window solutions, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to give more insulation and better energy efficiency.
If you have ceiling fans in your house, the DOE says you can increase thermostat settings about 4 degrees warmer without sacrificing comfort. That’s due to the fact they cool by a windchill effect. As they cool people, not areas, turn them off when you exit a room.
If 78 degrees still appears too hot initially, try running an experiment for a week or so. Get started by raising your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, gradually lower it while adhering to the suggestions above. You might be astonished at how comfortable you feel at a hotter temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no reason to keep the air conditioner on all day while your home is vacant. Moving the temp 7–10 degrees hotter can save you as much as 5–15% on your electricity bills, according to the DOE.
When you get home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat below 78 to cool your residence more rapidly. This isn’t useful and usually leads to a higher cooling cost.
A programmable thermostat is a helpful approach to keep your temp in check, but you have to set programs. If you don’t set programs, you risk forgetting to increase the set temperature when you leave.
If you need a hassle-free resolution, consider getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it is aware when you’re at home and when you’re away. Then it instinctively modifies temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? An estimated $180 annually on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another benefit of getting a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to watch and regulate temperature settings from almost anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR suggests 82 degrees, that could be unbearable for most families. Most people sleep better when their bedroom is cold, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation suggests 65–68 degrees. But that could be too cold, due to your PJ and blanket preference.
We suggest trying a similar test over a week, moving your temp higher and progressively turning it down to find the ideal setting for your residence. On cool nights, you might learn keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a preferable idea than using the air conditioner.
More Ways to Use Less Energy This Summer
There are additional ways you can spend less money on AC bills throughout hot weather.
- Install an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only work for about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they become older. A new air conditioner can keep your residence more comfortable while keeping cooling bills small.
- Book yearly air conditioner maintenance. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your system working smoothly and might help it run at greater efficiency. It can also help lengthen its life span, since it helps pros to find little troubles before they cause a major meltdown.
- Replace air filters frequently. Follow manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A dusty filter can lead to your system short cycling, or turn on and off too frequently, and drive up your electricity.
- Inspect attic insulation levels. Just about 90% of residences in the U.S. don’t have adequate insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Most southern climates need 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates should have 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork inspected. Ductwork that has separated over time can leak cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to big comfort problems in your house, such as hot and cold spots.
- Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep humid air in its place by plugging holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more cold air indoors.
Use Less Energy During Warm Weather with Polar Air & Mechanical
If you want to save more energy this summer, our Polar Air & Mechanical experts can assist you. Get in touch with us at 843-484-3783 or contact us online for extra information about our energy-saving cooling options.
