With the gift of technology, we are offered a refreshing way to avoid the summer heat from the comfort of our homes. With summer here, it’s no doubt that your AC has been performing its fair share of work over the past couple of weeks. This means you will likely see an increase in your energy bills. Unfortunately, there’s no getting out of paying for them. But you can find an energy-efficient temperature setting that will help you keep your energy usage a little bit more controlled while still keeping your home cool and comfortable.
Join your Upper Arlington Heating & Air family as we dive into the details of helping you find your energy-efficient AC setting for this summer.
IS THERE A RECOMMENDED ENERGY-EFFICIENT AC TEMPERATURE?
The U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting your thermostat to 78°F (25.5°C) during summer if you’re seeking to balance the struggle between comfort and energy efficiency. But hold your horses; we know that seems crazy high. Just keep in mind that this is a recommendation, and realistically speaking, no magic number will work for everyone, everywhere. Think of 78°F as a reference to help you find your own energy-efficient summer temperature. Just be mindful that setting a lower temperature will lead to higher energy bills.
IS THERE A WAY TO DETERMINE YOUR OWN ENERGY-EFFICIENT SUMMER AC TEMPERATURE?
As mentioned, you will need to experiment to find your ideal temperature, but starting at the recommended temperature of 78°F is a great start. First, set your thermostat to this temperature for a few hours and see if it’s comfortable for everyone in your household. Then, based on their reactions, you can adjust the temperature gradually by one or two degrees. Slowly continue this process over the next few days. This strategy is advised as each temperature adjustment will give your AC time to readjust and regulate the set temperature and allow your household members to reacclimate to the thermostat change. You may be surprised to find how comfortable certain temps actually are after allowing yourself sufficient time to acclimate to them.
ARE THERE TRICKS TO BOOSTING ENERGY EFFICIENCY IN YOUR HOME?
- To prevent excess heat from sunlight, it’s advised to keep the curtains or blinds closed during the hottest parts of the day.
- Using energy-efficient window coverings or reflective films can help reduce heat transfer through windows. Even though it may seem like a small change, it can make a significant difference.
- To keep your home cool, make sure to seal any air leaks in windows, doors, and ductwork to prevent hot air from getting in and cool air from escaping.
- To reduce the burden on your cooling system, it is advisable to refrain from using appliances that generate heat during peak hours.
- If you don’t already have one, it would be beneficial for you to use a smart thermostat. It can learn your habits and automatically adjust the temperature to coincide with your daily routine when you are away from home.
It’s important to balance staying cool and saving energy during the summer for our comfort, the environment, and your finances. To achieve this, we \ need to find the right balance between personal comfort and sustainability to create a comfortable living environment while minimizing energy use.
Keep your home both cool and eco-friendly using an energy-efficient AC temperature. And remember, you can count on Upper Arlington Heating & Air for all your cooling and AC needs. Call us today at (614) 490-7507, or schedule an appointment now by clicking here!
