As we enter the summer season, technology allows us to maintain a comfortable temperature inside our homes despite the intense heat outside. Your air conditioning system has likely been running non-stop for a few weeks already and will continue working hard throughout the summer. As a result, this may cause a spike in your energy bills. But all is not lost! You can find an energy-efficient temperature that will keep your home comfortably cool while maintaining appropriate energy usage. Join Middletown Heating & Cooling today as we talk about how you can discover the best energy-efficient AC setting for the summer.
IS THERE A UNIVERSAL MAGIC NUMBER TO SET YOUR AC ON?
Before we get started, it’s important to understand that no perfect AC temperature works for everyone because what’s comfortable for one family may not be comfortable for another. However, the U.S. Department of Energy suggests setting the AC temperature at 78°F (26°C) for the most optimal energy efficiency. Again, don’t stress if this seems too high, as everyone’s optimal temperature is different. However, this temperature can be a starting point to help you determine the best temperature for you and your family.
IS THERE A BETTER WAY TO FIND AN ENERGY-EFFICIENT TEMPERATURE THAT WORKS FOR YOU?
We’re glad you asked! Let’s get into it! Start by setting your thermostat to the suggested temperature of 78°F. Then, give your air conditioning unit a few hours to adjust and observe how your family responds. This should be sufficient time to decide if this temperature is not as bad as you thought or if it will need to be adjusted. Depending on everyone’s reactions, you can adjust the temperature by 1 or 2 degrees at a time and keep doing so over the next few days until you find the most suitable temperature that keeps your family comfortable and saves energy. Just be sure that each time you readjust the thermostat, you give it an ample amount of time for your AC to respond and the air to be regulated before deciding to readjust the temperature once again.
IS THERE AN AC TEMPERATURE YOU SHOULD USE WHEN YOU’RE ON A TRIP?
This is also a valid question. After all, summer is a time for extended vacations and fun weekend getaways. When going on vacation or a weekend trip in the summer, it’s normal to be concerned about leaving your home unoccupied with the air conditioning on. However, turning off the AC can cause warmth and humidity to harm your house and items, collectibles, artworks, and houseplants, and therefore, is not advised. A better option is to simply increase your thermostat’s temperature by 10 degrees from your typical AC temperature. This step can potentially save up to 5-15% of your energy consumption.
IS THERE A CERTAIN TYPE OF THERMOSTAT THAT IS ENERGY-EFFICIENT?
Last but not least, let’s talk about smart thermostats. Yes, they are, in fact, energy efficient! A smart thermostat is an excellent tool that can aid in your energy-saving endeavors. A smart thermostat can reduce your overall energy consumption by creating a temperature schedule that adapts to your daily routine. So, if you’ve been thinking about it, but haven’t yet plunged in, what better time is it than now to give it a shot and experience the benefits?
If you’re still not sure, picture this: You’re planning an exciting family vacation, but in the rush to get everyone out the door, you forget to adjust your thermostat settings before leaving the house. (We don’t blame you!) And then, when you’re well on your way to your destination, it hits you, and you realize that your air conditioner was left on full blast. But, after this realization sets in, you have an “aha!” moment, and luckily, you remember you can use your phone to change the AC settings with the ease of your fingertips, ensuring a worry-free vacation. As a bonus, you can even lower the temperature remotely before returning home so you can enjoy the comfort of your own home once again as soon as you walk in the door. So, what are you waiting for? If you have a busy summer planned and don’t have a smart thermostat yet, feel free to call us. We’ll be happy to answer any questions you have.
Managing your monthly energy consumption while staying comfortable and cool can be challenging, but it is still achievable. Call Middletown Heating & Cooling for all your energy-saving and cooling needs today at (513) 268-3789, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!