When the heat and humidity have you working up a sweat, the temptation is to crank up the air conditioner and enjoy that nice, cool, dry air. Then you get your utility bill and it hits you… there’s a price to pay for all of that extra comfort. You want to save money, so you set your thermostat several degrees higher and the cycle starts all over again. If this sounds all too familiar, there are some ways to find that comfortable balance between comfort and savings.
Start by setting your thermostat higher than normal when you are away, and at 78 degrees when you are home. That is the Department of Energy’s recommended setting when you need cooling, but want to save energy. If you find that your home is too hot for comfort, try reducing the temperature setting by a degree or two to see if you feel cooler. Continue to reduce your temperature setting by one or two degrees until everybody is consistently comfortable. As you experiment with finding the setting that works for you, consider using some of the energy-saving and comfort-enhancing tips that follow.
SET THE THERMOSTAT AT A HIGHER TEMPERATURE WHEN YOUR GONE
One simple way to decrease energy costs is to have a higher temperature setting on the thermostat when nobody is home. While you might be tempted to simply turn the AC off, it’s actually better to adjust the temperature several degrees higher, by about 7-10 degrees. By installing a programmable thermostat and making this simple adjustment you can potentially save as much as 10% on your energy bill.1 Completely shutting down the system might actually cost you money due to the extra energy it takes to cool your home back down to your comfort zone.
Another habit to avoid when looking for the best temperature for AC settings is setting the thermostat on a colder setting to cool the home down more quickly after you’ve been away. Your air conditioner will not cool any faster – it will cool at the same rate, but will run longer until it reaches a lower temperature. In the long run, that extra cooling can actually result in an unnecessary expense. If you don’t already have one, a better solution is to use a programmable thermostat or even a smart thermostat. These thermostats can be set to automatically raise the temperature when you are away and reset the system for a more comfortable temperature by the time you return. With a smart thermostat, you can adjust the settings wherever you are, using a connected device like a smartphone or tablet.
TURN ON THE CEILING FAN (AND OTHER NATURAL SOLUTIONS TO COOL THE HOME)
Some simple tricks for potentially saving money might be right there in front of you. If you have ceiling fans installed in your home, use them! Increasing airflow in a warm room won’t reduce the temperature, but it will help to make it feel cooler and more comfortable. And, running a small fan takes less energy than running the air conditioner.
If you don’t have ceiling fans, a standalone fan can have the same effect. Available in a variety of sizes and styles, from a small desktop fan to a larger box fan that sits on the floor or even a narrow-profile tower fan, you can find one that fits your budget and can be moved from room to room as needed.
Additional comfort-enhancing (and money saving) suggestions include:
- Closing window coverings during the day to reduce heat from sunlight.
- Turn off your AC and open windows at night to naturally cool your home. Shut the windows during the day to seal in the cooler air.
- Add weather stripping to window and door openings to better seal in comfort and seal out heat.
- Avoid using heat-generating appliances such as an oven, your clothes dryer, hair dryers, etc., especially during the day.
PERFORM REGULAR MAINTENANCE ON YOUR AIR CONDITIONER
Even ENERGY STAR® certified air conditioners need some regular TLC to deliver their expected efficiency ratings. Because much like your car, your central air conditioner operates more efficiently with routine maintenance and system check-ups. For example, a dirty, clogged air filter can restrict air circulation, potentially causing loss of comfort and reduced energy efficiency, while also putting a strain on the system’s fans and motors. As a part of standard air conditioner service, most homeowners can handle checking, cleaning or replacing the air filter. However, experienced HVAC professionals have the training and the equipment to dig deeper. They can assess system performance, clean and adjust internal components and take care of any minor issues before they become big problems. A professional air conditioner tune-up can help maintain the efficiency of your system with services like:
- Cleaning the outdoor coil: A dirty outdoor coil affects system performance by restricting airflow and heat transfer needed for proper cooling operation.
- Cleaning the evaporator coil: A dirty evaporator coil affects system performance by restricting airflow and heat transfer needed for proper cooling operation, and can affect indoor air quality with build-up of mold and bacteria.
- Checking refrigerant levels: Low refrigerant levels can reduce cooling capability, causing the system to run longer and use more energy trying to maintain comfort.
- Cleaning and adjusting blower components: Your indoor blower circulates indoor air through the system and returns cool air back to your home. A poorly functioning blower can affect both comfort and energy costs.
- Installing a smart thermostat: As mentioned previously, installing a smart thermostat can help you more effectively manage your temperature settings. Consider having your dealer install one during one of their regular scheduled tune-up visits.
WHAT IS THE BEST AC TEMPERATURE FOR SLEEPING?
Although 78⁰ F is a good temperature for energy savings and comfort when you are home and awake, it is not ideal for slumber. In fact, bedroom temperatures that are too hot or too cold can result in a restless night. A general recommendation is that the optimal temperature for sleeping is between 60⁰ and 67⁰ F, regardless of the season outside.3
- To help ensure a better night’s rest, consider re-setting your thermostat before you go to bed, leaving enough time for the temperature in your bedroom to adjust.
- If you have a programmable thermostat, you may want to schedule it to automatically reduce the temperature during the times you are normally asleep.
- If it works for you and your climate, try opening a few windows. This method will depend upon having milder, cooler outdoor temperatures, and offers a more energy-efficient, but less precise, option for achieving the targeted 60⁰ – 67⁰ F. Be sure to close the windows in the morning to seal in the cooler air.
The above recommendations are for a typical adult. Keep in mind that infants and small children should be in rooms with slightly higher temperatures to ensure better, more restful sleep.
Call us at Wtfix Air – for air conditioner installation of all Types and Brands.
You can constantly depend on Wtfixair to get you a fast service and get the job done in no time, with pocket-friendly prices along with the most professional services at your place. We use best-in-class analytic gear to source your Air Conditioner Installation, problems and fix them quickly. We provide 24/7 Emergency Service to all of our customers, with no travel charges, and guaranteed licensed professionals. We also provide our customers with customized plans, as per the customer’s convenience, and offer amazing discounts on each of our services.
Wtfixair aims to install your commercial ventilation, heating, and air conditioning (HVAC) system with minimum fuss and interruption. We also know the significance of assisting you with reducing both your operational costs and carbon impression. We take our environmental obligations seriously, which is why all the solutions that we provide are as energy-productive as possible.
Contact Wtfixair based in Victoria, 3072, Australia, as it provides Professional Air Conditioner Services to Adelaide, Canberra, Darwin, Melbourne, Perth, Queensland, Sydney, and Tasmania. Get a Free Estimate for a New AC Installation, Cleaning, or other Upkeep services by Scheduling Your air conditioner repair and maintenance service Call today at (1300) 019 320, or mail us at info@wtfixair.com.au.
