You shouldn’t have to compromise on comfort or drain your wallet to keep your home at a pleasant setting during warm days.
But what is the ideal setting, exactly? We go over recommendations from energy specialists so you can select the best temp for your loved ones.
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 most comfortable. However, if there’s a sizeable difference between your inside and outside warmth, your AC costs 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 appears too high, there are ways you can keep your residence pleasant without having the air conditioning running all the time.
Keeping windows and window treatments closed during the day keeps cold air where it needs to be—within your home. Some window treatments, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to provide extra insulation and improved energy efficiency.
If you have ceiling fans in your residence, the DOE says you can move thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees warmer without giving up comfort. That’s since they cool with a windchill effect. As they cool people, not areas, switch them off when you exit a room.
If 78 degrees still appears too warm initially, try doing a test for approximately a week. Get started by increasing your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, gradually lower it while adhering to the ideas above. You could be shocked at how refreshed you feel at a warmer temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no need to keep the AC running all day while your house is empty. Switching the setting 7–10 degrees hotter can save you as much as 5–15% on your electrical bills, according to the DOE.
When you arrive home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat under 78 to cool your home more quickly. This isn’t useful and usually produces a more expensive air conditioner bill.
A programmable thermostat is a useful way to keep your settings controlled, but you have to set programs. If you don’t use programs, you might forget to change the set temperature when you take off.
If you want a convenient remedy, think over buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at your house and when you’re away. Then it automatically adjusts temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? About $180 yearly on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another advantage of using a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to monitor and change temperature settings from just about anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR advises 82 degrees, that might be too uncomfortable for the majority of families. Most people sleep better when their sleeping area is chilled, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation recommends 60–67 degrees. But that could be too chilly, due to your clothing and blanket preference.
We advise following a comparable test over a week, putting your thermostat higher and progressively lowering it to find the right setting for your house. On pleasant nights, you could find keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a preferable idea than using the AC.
More Methods to Use Less Energy This Summer
There are extra methods you can spend less money on utility bills throughout warm weather.
- Install an energy-efficient air conditioning system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and become less efficient as they become older. A new air conditioner can keep your home cooler while keeping cooling expenses down.
- Book annual air conditioner tune-ups. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment running properly and could help it work more efficiently. It might also help lengthen its life span, since it enables techs to uncover seemingly insignificant problems before they cause a major meltdown.
- Switch air filters often. Read manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A dusty filter can result in your system short cycling, or switch on and off too often, and raise your electricity.
- Measure attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of homes in the USA don’t have proper insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Many southern climates should have 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates need 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork inspected. Ductwork that has loosened over time can let cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to big comfort problems in your house, such as hot and cold spots.
- Seal openings, doors and windows. Keep hot air where it should be by closing cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more conditioned air inside.
Save More Energy This Summer with Kapaun & Brown
If you need to save more energy during hot weather, our Kapaun & Brown professionals can assist you. Reach us at 641-321-6747 or contact us online for more information about our energy-saving cooling options.