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

But what is the best temp, exactly? We discuss advice from energy professionals so you can find the best temp for your house.

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most people find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees provides ideal comfort. However, if there’s a major difference between your inside and outdoor temperatures, your utility bills 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 appears too high, there are methods you can keep your residence pleasant without having the air conditioner going all the time.

Keeping windows and curtains down during the day keeps chilled air where it needs to be—within your home. Some window solutions, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to provide added insulation and enhanced energy conservation.

If you have ceiling fans in your home, the DOE says you can raise thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees warmer without sacrificing comfort. That’s because they freshen with a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not spaces, switch them off when you move from a room.

If 78 degrees still appears too uncomfortable at first glance, try doing a trial for approximately a week. Get started by increasing your setting to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, steadily turn it down while following the ideas above. You could be astonished at how comfortable you feel at a warmer temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no need to keep the air conditioner going all day while your residence is vacant. Moving the temperature 7–10 degrees hotter can save you as much as 5–15% on your AC expenses, according to the DOE.

When you arrive home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat below 78 to cool your residence faster. This isn’t effective and often produces a higher electricity cost.

A programmable thermostat is a useful way to keep your temperature controlled, but you need to set programs. If you don’t set programs, you might forget to increase the set temperature when you take off.

If you need a hassle-free resolution, consider getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it is aware when you’re at home and when you’re out. Then it intuitively adjusts temperature settings for the best savings. How much exactly? Typically $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another advantage of using a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to monitor and adjust temperature settings from almost anywhere.

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

We recommend following a similar test over a week, setting your thermostat higher and steadily decreasing it to select the best setting for your family. On mild nights, you could find keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a better solution than operating the air conditioning.

More Approaches to Use Less Energy During Warm Weather

There are additional approaches you can conserve money on utility bills throughout hot weather.

  1. Buy an energy-efficient air conditioning system. Central air conditioners only are effective for about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they age. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your house cooler while keeping electricity bills low.
  2. Set regular air conditioner service. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit running like it should and could help it work at better efficiency. It might also help extend its life span, since it helps techs to find small issues before they create a major meltdown.
  3. Replace air filters frequently. Follow manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A dirty filter can cause your system to short cycle, or switch on and off too much, and raise your utility.
  4. Inspect attic insulation levels. Just about 90% of residences in the U.S. 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 examined. Ductwork that has come apart over time can seep cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to major comfort problems in your residence, such as hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep muggy air where it belongs by plugging openings. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more cold air within your home.

Save More Energy During Hot Weather with B & G HVAC

If you want to use less energy this summer, our B & G HVAC experts can provide assistance. Reach us at 641-316-3360 or contact us online for additional information about our energy-saving cooling solutions.