The Best Summer Central Air Thermostat Setting

Stay cool all season while saving money on A/C costs.

Opening that first electric bill of the summer is always a rude awakening. Just when you’re breathing a sigh of relief because your winter fuel expenses are behind you, the home cooling costs rear their ugly head.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) estimates that 6 percent of our country’s electricity is used for air conditioning. American homeowners spend about $29 billion annually keeping cool.

Energy rates have been going up for a while in Cumberland, Salem, Gloucester and Atlantic counties. Here are some A/C recommendations to keep your electric bills manageable without sacrificing comfort.

The best A/C temperature

When people ask us what temperature they should set their thermostat in the summer, we suggest 78 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature usually strikes a balance between comfort and energy efficiency. Set your central A/C to this temperature and, if necessary, adjust it by a degree or two for comfort. Once your family chooses a setting, stick with it.

Other ways to lower your A/C costs

At Woodruff Energy, we can recommend some other tactics for reducing your energy costs in the summer.

1. Get a programmable thermostat (and use it). The DOE says U.S. households can save up to 10 percent a year on heating and cooling expenses if they turn back their thermostat by 7 to 10 degrees for 8 hours a day. We recommend getting a programmable thermostat to arrange these cost-saving adjustments for when you’re sleeping or out of the house.
2. Get “smart” with your temperature adjustments. A Wi-Fi-enabled smart thermostat allows you to program temperature adjustments and change your home’s settings from your smartphone. These devices can also lower your home temperature when they detect that you aren’t in the house.
3. Use a ceiling fan. You can make your rooms feel cooler just by moving the air around with a fan. And fans cost pennies to run for an entire day, much less than central A/C.
4. Stay on top of your air filters. Clogged filters restrict airflow, which makes your A/C system work harder. Checking them every month and replacing or cleaning them as needed can improve your cooling system’s efficiency by 10 to 15 percent. It will also extend your equipment’s lifespan.
5. Arrange annual maintenance for your cooling system. Annual service keeps your A/C running at its best and prevents unexpected and costly breakdowns.

Ensure your A/C system’s health with a service plan.

With regular service, a central A/C system can keep you reliably comfortable for 15 years or more. The HVAC experts at Woodruff Energy can help. When you enroll in an affordable Central Air Conditioning Comfort Plan, we’ll perform a comprehensive tune-up each year. Plus, you’ll receive priority emergency service and discounts on repairs.

Reach out to the Woodruff Energy team today to sign up for service plan coverage or to arrange your annual A/C tune-up.