Use a programmable thermostat to set more energy-efficient air-conditioning temperatures for summer

Action of the Month for June

Basic Action: Use a programmable or Wi-fi thermostat to reduce energy use and cost when air-conditioning (AC)

• Use pre-programmed settings to regulate the temperature of your residence
• To maximize energy savings, set your AC thermostat when you are home to 78 degrees or higher and 85 degrees or higher or off when away from home or asleep.
• Take into account health considerations and drink plenty of extra fluids when the weather is hot.

In typical homes, air conditioning uses more electricity than anything else—16% of total electricity used. Each degree below 78°F increases your energy use 3-4%. Reducing the amount of air-conditioning is where savings are—for energy and cost.

• A 2.5-ton size central system uses about
  3500 watts.
• A window unit uses 500 to 1440 watts.

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• A floor fan uses 100 watts even on the highest speed.
• Ceiling fans use 15 to 90 watts depending on speed and size.

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Using air-conditioning wisely
​​Air-conditioning is to keep people more comfortable, not empty buildings.

• Set your programmable thermostat to turn off when occupants leave for the day, and to turn back on a half hour before you get home. If you do not have a programmable thermostat, manually set the temperature higher when you will be away from home and back to 78 degrees or higher when you are at home.

Note: It is a myth that it takes less energy to run the AC all day instead of turning it off and on.  Running it all the time when you're away uses more energy.

• The air from ceiling fans sending a breeze to you can make you feel 3 to 8 degrees cooler, allowing you to run AC at a higher temperature and still feel as cool. Central AC costs 70 times more to run than a fan.
• Check and/or change the AC air filter so it keeps air flowing and reduces effects of summer wildfire smoke.
• Plant shade trees or shrubs on the west side of the condenser so it does not have to work as long in order to cool. Just don’t block the condenser air flow.

(Sources: https://michaelbluejay.com/electricity/cooling.html)
https://www.cnn.com/2020/05/24/health/how-to-stay-cool-without-air-conditioning-wellness/index.html

Here are some Tips to stay cooler with less or no air-conditioning