As summer continues, we rely on our air conditioning system to keep us cool at home despite the hot weather outside. Your air conditioning system has likely been running constantly for the past few weeks and will continue to work hard in the upcoming months. This may lead to an increase in your energy bills due to increased usage. But all is not lost! You can find an energy-efficient temperature setting that will help you keep your home cool and comfortable while still sustainably controlling your energy consumption. To learn more about how to discover the best energy-efficient AC setting for the summer, join the Lancaster Furnace & Air Conditioning family.
IS THERE A CHOSEN NUMBER?
The ideal AC temperature varies from person to person and family to family. However, to give you a starting point, the U.S. Department of Energy suggests setting your AC to 78°F (26°C). Seems a little high, doesn’t it? Just keep in mind that what feels comfortable for you may be different from what others may prefer. Just use this temperature as a benchmark to help you figure out what temperature is best suited for you and your family!
IS THERE A METHOD TO PINPOINT YOUR IDEAL TEMPERATURE?
It may require a little experimentation on your part to find a temperature that works for you and is energy-efficient. A good starting point is to follow the recommendation and set your thermostat to 78°F, as suggested by the US Department of Energy. After that, give your AC a few hours to adjust and observe how your family feels. Make gradual adjustments of 1 or 2 degrees at a time over the next few days until you find the perfect temperature that keeps your family cool and comfortable while also reducing energy consumption.
IS THERE A SETTING TO USE WHILE AWAY FROM HOME?
When going on vacation or a weekend getaway in the summer, leaving your home with the air conditioner turned off completely is not advisable because it can cause damage from heat and humidity to your houseplants, art, collectibles, etc. Instead, increase your thermostat setting by 10 degrees to save up to 5-15% on energy usage while ensuring your belongings still remain protected.
IS THERE A RECOMMENDED THERMOSTAT TO USE?
While traditional thermostats are great and work well, smart thermostats are fantastic tools to use in terms of energy efficiency. Are you thinking about getting a smart thermostat to save energy? Creating a pre-set temperature schedule that adjusts to your daily work routine can help you save energy.
On top of that, if you go on trips frequently or have a busy summer ahead of you, a smart thermostat may actually be beneficial to you in the long run. Picture this: You have planned a wonderful and well-organized family vacation. However, due to the rush and chaos, you forgot to adjust the thermostat settings before leaving the house. As a result, the air conditioner is now left running at full capacity with nobody at home. Fortunately, from the convenience of your phone, you can modify your AC settings with the ease of your fingertips. So, now you can have a worry-free vacation, and when you return, you even have the option of lowering the temperature so you can relax immediately upon entering your home.
If you have a busy summer schedule ahead and you still haven’t bought a smart thermostat, feel free to reach out to us for any queries. We would be glad to provide answers to all your questions!
Keeping a cap on your monthly energy consumption while staying cool and comfortable might be challenging, but it’s achievable! Call Lancaster Furnace & Air Conditioning for all your energy-saving needs or AC concerns at (740) 625-2320, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!
