WHAT IS THE MOST ENERGY-EFFICIENT AC SETTING? 

Jun 1, 2023 | Temperature, AC, Air Conditioner, Cool Air, Degree, Energy Consumption, Fahrenheit, Smart Thermostat, Summer, Temperature Setting, Thermostat

During the summer, technology lets us stay cool and comfortable in our homes despite the scorching heat outside. It’s been a few weeks into summer, and your AC has surely been working hard. You can expect it to work even harder in the coming months. As a result, you will probably notice that your energy bills will go up. However, you can discover an energy-efficient temperature level that will assist you in maintaining a comfortable and cool home while still managing your energy usage. Join your Five Star Heating & Cooling Dayton family for more information on finding the best energy-efficient AC setting for this summer. 

WHAT IS THE MOST ENERGY-EFFICIENT AC SETTING?   

The Recommended AC Setting-  

We believe that there is no perfect AC temperature that universally suits everyone. What is comfortable for one family may not be so for another. Nevertheless, we can give you a general idea of where to start. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends a temperature of 78°F (26°C) as the most optimal for air conditioning. While this may seem a little high, do not worry! Your optimal temperature may differ from others, and that’s perfectly fine. Just use this temperature as a benchmark to help you figure out what temperature is best suited for you and your family! 

The Method to Finding Your Ideal AC Setting-   

To begin, set your thermostat at 78°F as suggested. Then allow a few hours for your AC to adjust and see how your family reacts. Adjust the temperature 1 or 2 degrees at a time as necessary over the next few days until you find the ideal temperature that keeps your family cool and comfortable while consuming less energy. 

The AC Setting to Use When You’re Away from Home-   

If you’re going on vacation or a weekend getaway during the summer, you might be worried about leaving your home empty with the air conditioner running. But turning off the AC completely is not recommended because it can cause heat and humidity damage to your home and belongings, such as houseplants, art, collectibles, or even small pets (I.e., fish). Instead, increase your thermostat setting by 10 degrees before leaving. This general rule can help you save up to 5-15% on energy usage. 

The Recommended Thermostat- 

Considering getting a smart thermostat? It’s a great way to help achieve your energy-saving goals. With a smart thermostat, you can create a pre-set temperature schedule that will adjust around your daily work routine and save you energy. Give it a try and see the benefits! Not convinced? We get it, but imagine this scenario: You have organized a detailed, fun family vacation, but in the middle of all the chaos, trying to get out of the house on time, etc., you forgot to adjust your thermostat settings before leaving the house. Now, your air conditioner is running at full capacity while no one is home. And then you remember – you can use your phone to modify your AC settings. Now you can enjoy your vacation without any concerns. Additionally, you can readjust the temperature to a lower level when you return so that you can relax as soon as you enter your home. So, if you have a busy summer coming up and you don’t have a smart thermostat yet, feel free to call us and ask any questions. 

Staying cool and comfortable while keeping your monthly energy consumption controlled may be tricky, but it’s not impossible! Call Five Star Heating & Cooling Dayton today at (937) 708-8278, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here