You shouldn’t need to give up comfort or empty your wallet to keep your house at a pleasant setting during the summer.

But what is the right setting, exactly? We review recommendations from energy experts so you can select the best temperature for your loved ones.

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most families find setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a sizeable difference between your indoor and outdoor temps, your cooling bills will be greater.

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

While at home: 78 degrees. While that seems too high, there are methods you can keep your home refreshing without having the air conditioning going all the time.

Keeping windows and blinds shut during the day keeps cool air where it needs to be—within your home. Some window coverings, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to deliver more insulation and better energy conservation.

If you have ceiling fans in your house, the DOE says you can increase thermostat settings about 4 degrees warmer without sacrificing comfort. That’s since they refresh by a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not spaces, switch them off when you move from a room.

If 78 degrees still feels too uncomfortable at first glance, try conducting a test for about a week. Start by upping your setting to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, progressively decrease it while following the advice above. You might be astonished at how cool you feel at a higher temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no reason to keep the air conditioner running all day while your residence is unoccupied. Moving the setting 7–10 degrees hotter can save you as much as 5–15% on your AC costs, according to the DOE.

When you get home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your home faster. This isn’t productive and typically results in a more expensive AC expense.

A programmable thermostat is a good method to keep your temp in check, but it requires setting programs. If you don’t set programs, you might forget to move the set temperature when you leave.

If you’re looking for a convenient remedy, think about getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat works with with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at home and when you’re away. Then it intuitively changes temperature settings for maximum 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 watch and adjust temperature settings from just about anywhere.

While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR suggests 82 degrees, that could be too uncomfortable for the majority of families. The majority of people sleep better when their sleeping area is cold, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation suggests 60–67 degrees. But that may be too cool, depending on your pajama and blanket preference.

We advise following a comparable test over a week, putting your temp higher and progressively lowering it to select the best temp for your family. On mild nights, you may discover keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a better idea than using the AC.

More Methods to Save Energy During Hot Weather

There are added methods you can conserve money on air conditioning bills throughout warm weather.

  1. Upgrade to an energy-efficient AC system. Central air conditioners only are effective for about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they get older. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your home more comfortable while keeping electricity bills down.
  2. Schedule annual air conditioner tune-ups. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your system working like it should and could help it operate at greater efficiency. It might also help lengthen its life span, since it enables techs to uncover little issues before they lead to a major meltdown.
  3. Put in new air filters regularly. Read manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A dusty filter can result in your system short cycling, or run too often, and drive up your electrical.
  4. Measure attic insulation levels. Just about 90% of residences in the USA don’t have adequate insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Many southern climates need 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates should have 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork examined. Ductwork that has separated over time can let cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create major comfort problems in your house, such as hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal openings, doors and windows. Keep hot air where it belongs by closing cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more cool air inside.

Save More Energy During Hot Weather with Kapaun & Brown

If you are looking to save more energy this summer, our Kapaun & Brown pros can provide assistance. Give us a call at 641-812-2028 or contact us online for extra details about our energy-saving cooling solutions.