During the hot summer months, we have the privilege of having air conditioning to cool off at home. Your air conditioning has likely been working hard recently and will continue to do so in the coming months. Because of this, it is probable that your energy bills will experience an increase, and unfortunately, there’s no way around it when utilizing an air conditioner. However, you can opt for an energy-efficient temperature setting that will aid you in regulating your energy consumption while still maintaining your home’s coolness and comfort. This should help keep your energy bills a little more controlled. So, come and join your Grove City Heating & Air family as we discuss how to find your ideal energy-efficient AC setting for the upcoming summer.
WHAT IS THE RECOMMENDED SETTING FOR THE AC?
We believe that there is no single perfect temperature for air conditioning that suits every situation for everyone. The optimum setting varies depending on the family and location. However, to help you find a good starting point, the U.S. Department of Energy recommends a temperature of 78°F (26°C) for air conditioning. Although this may seem high, it is important to remember that what works for one person may not work for another, and that’s perfectly fine. With this temperature suggestion, you can begin the process of finding the temperature that is best suited for you and your family.
WHAT IS THE METHOD FOR DETERMINING YOUR OPTIMAL AC TEMPERATURE?
To begin, set your thermostat to 78°F, as recommended. Then wait a few hours for your AC to adjust and observe how everyone in your household reacts. After that, you can adjust the temperature gradually by 1 or 2 degrees as needed. Keep doing this for the next couple of days until you find the ideal temperature that keeps your family comfortable while reducing energy consumption.
WHAT IS THE RECOMMENDED AC SETTING WHEN YOU ARE ON A TRIP?
During summer vacations and weekend getaways, your home might be empty, and no one will be around to enjoy the cool air being emitted from your air conditioner. But you don’t want to turn your AC off completely, as this can result in damage through the increased heat and humidity inside your home, potentially harming your houseplants, art, collectibles, and small pets (I.e., fish tank.) So, what can you do? Well, to save energy while you’re enjoying summer activities, increase your thermostat setting by 10 degrees before leaving home. This will not harm your house or belongings and can reduce energy usage by up to 5-15%.
WHAT KIND OF THERMOSTAT IS THE BEST TO USE?
While traditional thermostats are great, you should consider investing in a smart thermostat if you haven’t already. It can help you achieve your energy-saving goals by allowing you to set temperature schedules that work around your daily routine. By doing so, you can reduce your energy usage and save money.
On top of that, a smart thermostat could prove beneficial to you, especially if you are apt to travel. Imagine this scenario: you have planned a wonderful family vacation but forgot to increase your thermostat’s temperature before leaving for the trip. This means that your air conditioner will be running continuously for over a week. But wait! Luckily, you can control your AC settings from the convenience of your smartphone! You can now have a worry-free trip as unnecessary energy consumption has been taken care of from the ease of your fingertips. Additionally, you can adjust your temperature settings before returning home to ensure you enter a relaxed environment. If you have a busy summer coming up and you don’t have a smart thermostat yet, feel free to give us a call. We’ll be happy to answer any questions you have!
Staying cool and comfortable while controlling your monthly energy consumption may be tricky, but it’s not out of the question! Call Grove City Heating & Air today at (614) 490-7540, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!
