You shouldn’t be forced to give up comfort or drain your wallet to keep your home at the right temperature during muggy weather.

But what is the ideal temperature, exactly? We discuss suggestions from energy professionals so you can choose 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 using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees provides ideal comfort. However, if there’s a big difference between your inside and outside temps, your electricity costs will be higher.

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

While at home: 78 degrees. While that seems hot, there are ways you can keep your house refreshing without having the air conditioner on frequently.

Keeping windows and blinds closed during the day keeps cold air where it should be—indoors. Some window solutions, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to provide added insulation and better energy conservation.

If you have ceiling fans in your house, the DOE says you can increase thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees higher without sacrificing comfort. That’s since they refresh by a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not rooms, shut them off when you leave a room.

If 78 degrees still seems too hot on the surface, try running an experiment for about a week. Begin by upping your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, progressively turn it down while following the ideas above. You could be astonished at how refreshed you feel at a hotter temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no need to keep the AC working all day while your house is unoccupied. Moving the temp 7–10 degrees warmer can save you as much as 5–15% on your air conditioning bills, according to the DOE.

When you get home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your home more quickly. This isn’t useful and typically produces a bigger cooling expense.

A programmable thermostat is a helpful way to keep your temperature in check, but it requires setting programs. If you don’t use programs, you run the risk of forgetting to move the set temperature when you leave.

If you’re looking for a hassle-free remedy, consider buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it is aware when you’re at your house and when you’re out. Then it intuitively modifies temperature settings for the best savings. How much exactly? About $180 yearly on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another perk of getting a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to monitor and regulate temperature settings from almost anywhere.

While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR advises 82 degrees, that may be too uncomfortable for many families. Most people sleep better when their sleeping space is cold, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation suggests 60–67 degrees. But that could be too chilly, due to your clothing and blanket preference.

We advise running an equivalent test over a week, putting your temp higher and progressively lowering it to pinpoint the best temp for your family. On mild nights, you may find keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a better option than running the air conditioning.

More Ways to Use Less Energy During Hot Weather

There are additional ways you can save money on air conditioning bills throughout hot weather.

  1. Get an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they age. A new air conditioner can keep your house more comfortable while keeping electricity costs small.
  2. Set regular air conditioner tune-ups. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment operating smoothly and could help it operate at greater efficiency. It could also help extend its life cycle, since it helps technicians to discover small issues before they cause a major meltdown.
  3. Put in new air filters regularly. Follow manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A clogged filter can cause your system to short cycle, or switch on and off too much, and drive up your energy.
  4. Check attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of residences in the U.S. don’t have enough insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Many southern climates require 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates need 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork checked. Ductwork that has loosened over time can seep cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to big comfort troubles in your house, like hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep muggy air in its place by closing openings. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more conditioned air within your home.

Conserve More Energy This Summer with B & G HVAC

If you need to save more energy during warm weather, our B & G HVAC pros can provide assistance. Reach us at 641-316-3360 or contact us online for additional information about our energy-saving cooling products.