Summer’s arrival has fully graced us, which no doubt signifies tons of summer fun. But this is also an indication that your air conditioning system has been and will continue to be running full force this season. But beating the heat doesn’t come without a price tag, and those monthly energy bills still need to get paid. Unfortunately, prices have continued to rise everywhere. So, we understand that it’s beneficial for homeowners to pinch some pennies where they can. This means getting your energy bill under control can be a huge benefit to you. But how do you do so, and where do you start? Fortunately, your experts at Wilmington Heating & Cooling can steer you in the right direction to better control your AC’s energy usage at a more efficient rate while staying cool this summer.
WHAT IS THERE FOR HOMEOWNERS TO KNOW ABOUT ENERGY EFFICIENCY?
Energy efficiency means achieving the desired comfort level while using the least amount of energy possible. By practicing energy-efficient methods, we can reduce our carbon footprint and save money on energy bills, which is extremely useful these days.
The U.S. Department of Energy suggests setting your thermostat to 78°F (25.5°C) in summer for an optimal balance between comfort and energy efficiency. It’s important to remember that this temperature is just a recommendation and may not work for everyone due to individual preferences and location. You should begin your energy-efficiency journey by using this as a reference point and then adjust the temperature according to your household’s comfort and needs.
HOW CAN HOMEOWNERS FIND THEIR PERSONAL SUMMER AC ENERGY-EFFICIENT TEMPERATURE?
To determine your ideal AC temperature, you will need to experiment a bit. However, you can start with the suggested temperature of 78°F. Set your thermostat to this temperature for a few hours to see if everyone in your home is comfortable. Depending on their reactions, you can then adjust the temperature gradually after several hours have passed. Continue this strategy over the next few days, increasing or decreasing it by one or two degrees at a time. You may be pleased to find that when you slowly allow yourself and your household to acclimate to a set temperature, it’s not all bad as you thought and often turns out to be more comfortable than you imagined.
ARE THERE ADDITIONAL TIPS FOR HOMEOWNERS TO PRACTICE ENERGY EFFICIENCY?
- It is recommended to close blinds or curtains during the hottest parts of the day to prevent sunlight from increasing the temperature.
- Using window coverings or films that are energy-efficient or reflective can help reduce the amount of heat entering or leaving through the windows. This small step can significantly impact the temperature within your household.
- To keep your home cool and prevent hot air from coming inside, make sure to seal up any spaces around windows, doors, and ductwork where air might leak out.
- You can lessen the burden on your cooling system by refraining from using appliances that produce heat during periods of high usage.
- If you don’t already have one, it would be beneficial to use a smart thermostat as it is a highly energy-efficient tool. It can learn your daily routines and make appropriate temperature adjustments for the times nobody is at home.
By finding the sweet spot where personal comfort and sustainability meet, we can enjoy a comfortable living space while minimizing our energy usage. Need an HVAC company you can count on? Call Wilmington Heating & Cooling for all your cooling and AC needs today at (937) 764-3575, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!
