This summer has been filled with many long and hot days that have our air conditioners working in overdrive. Keeping your AC running for all or most of the day may keep your home comfortable, however you will pay the price for that comfort when your energy bills arrive for the month. Whether you have a programmable thermostat or not, there are some optimal temperature settings that will enable you to get the most out of your HVAC system and keep your energy bills under control.
- Settings When You’re Home: When you are at home it is tempting to turn the air conditioner down to a cool and comfortable temperature. However according to the Department of Energy, the ideal indoor temperature is 78 degrees. This temperature is the best way to keep your home comfortable without extremely high energy bills.
- Settings When You’re Away: When you are out of the home for work or school, it is advised to keep the thermostat set 5 degrees warmer than you would when you are home. If you have a programmable thermostat use the “away” function to set your thermostat to a warmer temperature, and set it so that the system will start to cool down 30 minutes before you arrive home.
- Settings When You’re Asleep: Setting your thermostat in the mid 70s is the best place to set your thermostat before bed. This will help you maintain comfort while you are sleeping and keep your energy bills at a comfortable price.
- Don’t Set the Temperature Too Low: When there is extreme heat outside it can be tempting to want to set your thermostat to a lower temperature than what is recommended. Doing so may make your home feel cooler and more comfortable, however you will notice a large increase in your energy bills and you may be overworking your HVAC system. Doing this can decrease the longevity of your system and cause your air conditioning system to freeze. If you are having problems with your AC this summer, call Airtech to request a service.
Follow these simple guidelines to keep your home and your family comfortable, keep your HVAC system running efficiently, increase your energy savings, and decrease the cost of your monthly bills.
