You shouldn’t need to compromise on comfort or spend a lot to keep your residence at the right setting during summer weather.

But what is the right setting, exactly? We review suggestions from energy experts so you can select the best temperature 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 using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a major difference between your inside and outdoor warmth, your utility bills will be bigger.

This is our advice based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.

While at home: 78 degrees. While that sounds warm, there are ways you can keep your residence cool without having the air conditioning going all the time.

Keeping windows and curtains closed during the day keeps cold air where it needs to be—inside. Some window solutions, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to give more insulation and better energy efficiency.

If you have ceiling fans in your home, the DOE says you can increase thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees higher without sacrificing comfort. That’s due to the fact they freshen by a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not spaces, switch them off when you exit a room.

If 78 degrees still seems too uncomfortable on the surface, try running a trial for about a week. Start by increasing your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, gradually decrease it while following the suggestions above. You might be amazed at how refreshed you feel at a warmer temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the air conditioner working all day while your residence is unoccupied. Turning the setting 7–10 degrees hotter can save you an estimated 5–15% on your electrical expenses, according to the DOE.

When you arrive home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat under 78 to cool your home faster. This isn’t productive and typically produces a more expensive AC bill.

A programmable thermostat is a helpful way to keep your temp controlled, but you need to set programs. If you don’t set programs, you might forget to move the set temperature when you go.

If you want a hassle-free fix, think over getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it knows when you’re at your residence and when you’re out. Then it automatically modifies temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? Usually $180 annually on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another benefit of installing a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to keep an eye on and change temperature settings from nearly anywhere.

While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR advises 82 degrees, that could be unbearable for most families. Many 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 PJ and blanket preference.

We recommend using an equivalent test over a week, moving your temp higher and slowly turning it down to find the ideal temp for your family. On mild nights, you might discover keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a better solution than operating the AC.

More Approaches to Conserve Energy This Summer

There are extra ways you can conserve money on cooling bills throughout hot weather.

  1. Get an energy-efficient air conditioning system. Central air conditioners only work for about 12–15 years and become less efficient as they age. A new air conditioner can keep your home comfier while keeping utility expenses small.
  2. Schedule yearly air conditioner service. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit operating smoothly and may help it work more efficiently. It could also help extend its life span, since it allows pros to uncover seemingly insignificant troubles before they lead to a major meltdown.
  3. Switch air filters regularly. Follow manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A clogged filter can result in your system short cycling, or turn on and off too often, and increase your utility.
  4. Measure attic insulation levels. Just about 90% of houses in the United States don’t have enough insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. The majority of southern climates require 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates require 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork inspected. Ductwork that has loosened over time can seep conditioned air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can result in major comfort problems in your home, like hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep humid air where it should be by closing cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more conditioned air within your home.

Save More Energy During Warm Weather with Kapaun & Brown

If you are looking to use less energy during hot weather, our Kapaun & Brown specialists can provide assistance. Reach us at 641-812-2028 or contact us online for extra info about our energy-saving cooling options.