Whats the Most Energy-Efficient AC Setting?

You shouldn’t need to give up comfort or empty your wallet to keep your residence at the right setting during the summer.

But what is the ideal temperature, exactly? We go over ideas from energy pros so you can find the best setting for your residence.

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most households find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a big difference between your indoor and exterior temperatures, your utility bills will be larger.

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

While at home: 78 degrees. While that sounds too high, there are approaches you can keep your house cool without having the air conditioning on frequently.

Keeping windows and curtains down during the day keeps cool air where it belongs—inside. Some window solutions, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to offer more insulation and improved energy conservation.

If you have ceiling fans in your residence, the DOE says you can raise thermostat temps about 4 degrees hotter without compromising comfort. That’s since they freshen by a windchill effect. As they cool people, not areas, turn them off when you exit a room.

If 78 degrees still feels too hot initially, try conducting an experiment for a week or so. Begin by raising your setting to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, steadily turn it down while using the suggestions above. You may be shocked at how cool you feel at a higher temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the air conditioner going all day while your residence is empty. Switching the temperature 7¬¬–10 degrees warmer can save you an estimated 5–15% on your AC expenses, according to the DOE.

When you get home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your residence more rapidly. This isn’t effective and typically results in a bigger electricity cost.

A programmable thermostat is a useful way to keep your temp controlled, but you need 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 resolution, think about buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it is aware when you’re at home and when you’re out. Then it automatically changes temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? About $180 annually on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another plus of using a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to keep an eye on and adjust temperature settings from just about anywhere.

While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR advises 82 degrees, that may be unbearable for many families. Many people sleep better when their sleeping space is chilly, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation advises 60–67 degrees. But that might be too cold, due to your clothing and blanket preference.

We recommend following a comparable test over a week, putting your temp higher and slowly decreasing it to pick the ideal temperature for your house. On pleasant nights, you may discover keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a superior solution than using the air conditioning.

More Approaches to Conserve Energy During Hot Weather

There are additional ways you can save money on AC bills throughout warm weather.

1. Upgrade to an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and become less efficient as they get older. An updated air conditioner can keep your house comfier while keeping utility
expenses small.
2. Set regular AC service. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment working smoothly and could help it work at better efficiency. It could also help prolong its life cycle, since it helps technicians to find little problems before they cause a big meltdown.
3. Put in new air filters often. Follow manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A dirty filter can cause your system to short cycle, or turn on and off too frequently, and drive up your cooling
costs.
4. Measure attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of houses in the USA don’t have adequate insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Many southern climates need 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates require 16–18”.
5. Have your ductwork inspected. Ductwork that has separated over the years can leak cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can result in major comfort troubles in your house, such as hot and cold spots.
6. Seal openings, doors and windows. Keep hot air in its place by plugging cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more cool air within your home.

Save More Energy This Summer with I-Deal HVAC

If you need to save more energy this summer, our I-Deal HVAC professionals can provide assistance. Give us a call at 505-445-1250 or contact us online for additional info about our energy-efficient cooling products.