One of the most common reasons why your air conditioning consumes more electricity is setting the temperature too low. Statistics show that most consumers set their units at 21 to 23 degrees. No matter how used you are to this level, experts advise to set the temperature to 24 or 25 degrees.
No, you're not saving money by lowering your setpoint at night. While it may be technically accurate that the efficiency ratio increases with the lower outside air temperature, ultimately you are now running your A/C unit more than you otherwise would have if you had just left it alone.
Does putting your AC on “fan” save energy in Holdrege? Not necessarily. Typically, running your air conditioner's fan constantly is going to drive up your energy bill slightly. But it also provides a few advantages (and downsides) when it comes to your residence's comfort.
Set the fan speed on high, except on very humid days. When humidity is high, set the fan speed on low for more comfort. The low speed on humid days will cool your home more effectively and remove more moisture from the air because of slower air movement through the cooling equipment.
Use Sleep Mode or Timer
Many AC units come with a sleep mode or timer feature, allowing you to set a specific duration for the AC to run before shutting off automatically. According to the International Energy Agency, using these features can save up to 30% of the energy consumed by an air conditioner .
Experts suggest that the optimal AC temperature is around 78°F (25.5°C) during the summer months. This temperature keeps you cool without overburdening your energy consumption. It's like the Goldilocks zone – not too hot, not too cold.
Now, as we all know that every degree when we lower the AC, it consumes 6% more electricity than usual. Hence, changing the habit of lowering the temperature to around 23-24°C rather than 18 degrees is a better option.
While the standard room temperature of 72 degrees Fahrenheit is commonly favored by many, others argue for higher settings, particularly when it's hotter outside.
A more moderate setting like 24°C (75.2°F) can achieve comfort with reduced electricity usage.
Setting the fan speed too low will usually cause the evaporator coil to freeze. If the fan speed is too high, it can cause the AC condenser to short-cycle or turn on and off constantly. This puts a huge amount of stress on the unit and also results in greatly increased energy costs.
Keeping your fan on AUTO is the most energy-efficient option. The fan only runs when the system is on and not continuously. There is better dehumidification in your home during the summer months. When your fan is set to AUTO, moisture from cold cooling coils can drip and be drained outside.
When the California summer heat rolls in, pairing your AC with a ceiling fan is your best defense. By correctly setting the fan's direction, adjusting the thermostat, and a few other simple strategies, you can keep your home cool without driving up your energy bill.
Best AC Temperature Settings While You Are Home
As you consider the most comfortable room temperature for your lifestyle and family, keep in mind that for each degree that you set your thermostat above 72 degrees, you can save up to 3% on your energy bill.
78°F is generally considered a comfortable temperature for most people in a house, especially in warmer months. It balances comfort and energy efficiency.
Increase the thermostat
If you are just as comfortable with your thermostat one or two degrees higher than you currently have it set, go ahead and turn it up. Even a one degree difference will have an impact on your energy bill. Many recommend 78 degrees as a good temperature for air conditioners to run efficiently.
One great way to lower energy costs is to avoid cooling an empty house. This is especially true during the middle of the day. If everyone in your household is either at work or school, then turning the temperature to 78-80 degrees will save you a chunk of change when the energy bill arrives.
A 5 star AC offers superior energy efficiency, leading to lower electricity bills, while a 3 star AC is more budget-friendly but tends to consume slightly more power. If you're undecided on whether to go for a 5 star or 3 star AC, consider factors like long-term energy savings and initial costs.
For many of us, 70 degrees is the ideal indoor temperature, but when it is close to 100 degrees outside, your AC unit will be working quite hard to meet these expectations. Consider setting your thermostat at 75 degrees to 80 degrees in your home if the outside temperature is approaching triple digits.
By setting your thermostat to 78°F when you're home and increasing it when you're away, you can save on energy costs without sacrificing comfort. According to the Department of Energy, you can save about 3% on your cooling costs for each degree you raise the thermostat.
Setting your thermostat just a single digit higher can help you save 6 percent on your cooling costs, according to the EPA.
On average, a 5 Star 1.5 ton AC consumes around 1.2 to 1.5 units per hour, while a 3 Star AC uses approximately 1.5 to 1.7 units per hour. How does AC consume electricity? An AC consumes electricity to power its compressor, fan, and other components.