You shouldn’t need to give up comfort or drain your wallet to keep your residence at a pleasant temp during hot days.

But what is the right temperature, exactly? We go over recommendations from energy experts so you can find the best setting for your house.

Here’s what we advise for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Marshalltown.

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most households find setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a major difference between your indoor and outside temperatures, your utility bills will be larger.

These are our recommendations based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.

While at home: 78 degrees. While that sounds warm, there are methods you can keep your house pleasant without having the air conditioner going frequently.

Keeping windows and blinds down during the day keeps chilled air where it should be—within your home. Some window coverings, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to give extra insulation and improved energy conservation.

If you have ceiling fans in your residence, the DOE says you can raise thermostat settings about 4 degrees hotter without sacrificing comfort. That’s due to the fact they refresh by a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not rooms, turn them off when you leave a room.

If 78 degrees still seems too hot at first glance, try conducting an experiment for a week or so. Start by raising your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, progressively lower it while using the advice above. You may be surprised at how cool you feel at a higher temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the air conditioner running all day while your house is vacant. Switching the setting 7–10 degrees higher can save you as much as 5–15% on your electrical costs, according to the DOE.

When you arrive home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your residence faster. This isn’t useful and usually results in a higher AC expense.

A programmable thermostat is a good approach to keep your settings under control, but you have to set programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you risk forgetting to increase the set temperature when you leave.

If you’re looking for a handy solution, consider getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it is aware when you’re at your house and when you’re gone. Then it intuitively changes temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? Usually $180 yearly on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another perk of installing a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to watch and change temperature settings from just about anywhere.

While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR advises 82 degrees, that could be unbearable for many families. Many people sleep better when their sleeping area is chilled, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation recommends 65–68 degrees. But that might be too cold, due to your pajama and blanket preference.

We recommend trying a similar test over a week, putting your temperature higher and gradually turning it down to choose the best temperature for your residence. On pleasant nights, you could find keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a better option than using the air conditioner.

More Ways to Save Energy This Summer

There are extra methods you can save money on cooling bills throughout warm weather.

  1. Install an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only are effective for about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they age. An updated air conditioner can keep your house comfier while keeping AC bills low.
  2. Book regular air conditioner service. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit working properly and could help it operate more efficiently. It might also help extend its life cycle, since it allows technicians to discover seemingly insignificant problems before they cause a major meltdown.
  3. Change air filters frequently. Use manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A dusty filter can cause your system to short cycle, or switch on and off too much, and increase your utility.
  4. Measure attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of homes in the USA don’t have enough insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Many southern climates need 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates require 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork checked. Ductwork that has loosened over time can let conditioned air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can result in huge comfort troubles in your home, including hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep hot air where it should be by closing openings. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more conditioned air indoors.

Conserve More Energy During Warm Weather with Kapaun & Brown

If you need to use less energy during hot weather, our Kapaun & Brown experts can provide assistance. Reach us at 641-321-6747 or contact us online for more details about our energy-saving cooling options.