Saving money during the summer can be as simple as learning to set higher AC temperatures on your thermostat. During hot weather, a central air conditioner may be responsible for more than half of the total electricity consumed in a home — and thus be the major single contributor to your monthly electric bill. Setting higher AC temperatures on your thermostat can make summers more affordable, as well as reduce wear and tear on your HVAC cooling components.
One Temperature for All?
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) traditionally recommended that a 78-degree thermostat setting provides the best compromise between comfort and cost. However, a survey by a national consumer periodical reveals that the average American actually prefers a lower setting.
Instead of advocating one specific AC temperature setting for all, the EPA has recently endorsed the following new approach:
- Determine a thermostat setting that occupants agree is suitably comfortable when you’re awake.
- Increase the thermostat setting by 4 degrees when occupants are sleeping.
- During times when nobody’s home, increase the AC setting by 7 degrees.
A Degree at a Time
For those who really want to fine-tune indoor comfort, some experts recommend raising the AC temperature a single degree at a time and evaluating how it impacts comfort as well as the monthly budget. Typically, an increase to higher AC temperatures of just one degree can decrease monthly electrical costs up to 3%. If you’re still comfortable, try raising the setting yet another degree and evaluate comfort level and the resulting lower costs.
Move More Air
Another option to beat the heat while raising the AC thermostat setting is ceiling fans. These slow-spinning, graceful appliances don’t actually generate cool air. However, the continuous airflow from a ceiling fan makes a room feel cooler to occupants without actually lowering the room temperature. Because a ceiling fan uses about 99% less electricity than a central AC, the opportunity for savings makes these fans both sensible and affordable.
For all your HVAC needs in Eastern North Carolina, talk to the professionals at Jackson & Sons.
