Energy efficiency is a hot topic these days, as it should be. Not only does it help our precious Mother Earth, it also means significant cost savings on electric bills. On average, your HVAC system takes up about 40% to 50% of your monthly energy, so a simple change to your thermostat temperature could make a BIG difference. This leads to the question, “What is the ideal temperature to set my thermostat?” The answer is that it depends on a range of factors including season, humidly levels and how often you are in and out of your house. Below, we go over the ideal temperature settings for your thermostat and finding a balance between comfort and energy savings.
What temperature should I set my thermostat in the summer?
For most Americans, the ideal daytime temperature ranges between 70 and 75 degrees. Setting your thermostat to the highest temperature in this range will help reduce energy usage. However, if you want to maximize energy consumption during the summer, according to Direct Energy, your thermostat should be set to 78 degrees.
Nighttime is a different story. The ideal temperature comfort range for most Americans drops to 65 to 72 degrees. The good news is you can lower your thermostat at night because your air conditioner doesn’t have to work as hard as it does during the day. This is because outside temperatures are lower and the sun is not hitting your house causing radiant heating.
What temperature should I set my thermostat in the winter?
During winter months, most Americans prefer the temperature to be around 68 degrees. To save energy, the ideal range for your thermostat should be 60 to 65 degrees. Because of our mild winter climate in Jacksonville, Florida you could easily set your temperature lower, throw on a sweater and enjoy up to 30% reduced energy usage.
Rule of Thumb: For every degree you raise or lower the temperature of your thermostat, it changes your electric bill by 1%.
Should I change the temperature on my thermostat when I’m not home?
Yes, but be careful. If you set the temperature too low or too high, your HVAC system will end up working harder and therefore, use more energy. When you leave the house, follow these rules when setting your thermostat temperature:
- Set your thermostat five degrees higher than your ideal temperature during the summer.
- Set your thermostat five degrees lower than your ideal temperature during the winter.
- Only turn off the system completely when you are going to be gone longer than 24-hours.
- If it is ever below freezing, keep your heat on and place it at its lowest setting.
Energy efficiency is a key component of keeping your home running smoothly. Knowing what the ideal temperatures to set your air conditioning system to throughout the year will help your system run smoother and could save you money! If you would like more information on our Jacksonville AC company or want to schedule a free consultation with one of our highly trained Comfort Consultants, call Northeast Florida Heating & Air today at 904-783-7003.
