Dropping the temperature on your thermostat doesn’t make your AC blow colder air. Instead, your AC just stays on longer to reach that goal. This burns through your money and puts considerable stress on your equipment. If you want to stay cool while maintaining energy efficiency, these tips can help.

The Sweet Spot for Your Temperature Settings

The Department of Energy suggests that 78 degrees is the perfect number for staying comfortable while saving money during the day. This might sound too warm if you are used to a freezing house. However, your body can adjust to the temperature quite quickly if the air is moving. Consider using a ceiling fan to help the space feel cooler by circulating air.

When the difference between the outdoor temperature and your indoor setting is smaller, the heat flows into your home at a much slower rate. When you keep your home at 78 degrees instead of 68 degrees, you are essentially building a wall that slows down the heat. This means your air conditioner cycles on and off less frequently. This saves a significant amount of electricity over the course of a long, hot July.

Drop the Setting Slightly or Open Windows

Sleeping in a warm house can be frustrating. However, you do not have to suffer through a sweaty night just to save a few pennies. When the sun goes down and the outside air cools off, you can safely drop your thermostat to a lower setting for better rest. Many families find that 75 degrees provides a perfect balance for sleeping.

This is especially true if they use light cotton sheets instead of heavy blankets. Since the air conditioner does not have to fight the sun at midnight, it can reach those lower temperatures much more efficiently. You might even consider opening the windows if the humidity is low. This lets your cooling system take a break until the sun comes back up.

If moving your thermostat to 78 feels like a huge jump, you should try changing it by just one degree each day. This gradual shift allows your family to get used to the change without anyone noticing a sudden wave of heat. You will be surprised at how quickly you stop noticing the difference in how you feel physically. However, you will definitely notice the difference when your monthly bill arrives. A single degree of change can save you as much as three percent on your utility costs. This adds up to a nice chunk of change by the end of the summer season.

If you live in Tualatin, OR or a surrounding area and need thermostat services, make your first call to Sky Heating, AC, Plumbing & Electrical.