You shouldn’t be forced to sacrifice comfort or drain your wallet to keep your house at the right setting during muggy weather.

But what is the ideal setting, exactly? We discuss ideas from energy specialists so you can find the best temperature for your family.

Here’s what we advise 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 is ideal. However, if there’s a sizeable difference between your inside and outdoor temperatures, your electricity bills will be larger.

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

While at home: 78 degrees. While that appears warm, there are ways you can keep your home refreshing without having the air conditioning running all the time.

Keeping windows and window treatments shut during the day keeps chilled air where it belongs—within your home. Some window coverings, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to give added insulation and enhanced energy efficiency.

If you have ceiling fans in your home, the DOE says you can move thermostat settings about 4 degrees higher without giving up comfort. That’s since they freshen by a windchill effect. As they cool people, not areas, shut them off when you move from a room.

If 78 degrees still feels too uncomfortable initially, try conducting a test for approximately a week. Begin by raising your setting to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, progressively decrease it while following the ideas above. You may be surprised at how refreshed you feel at a warmer temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no reason to keep the air conditioner going all day while your residence is vacant. Turning the temperature 7–10 degrees hotter can save you an estimated 5–15% on your electrical bills, according to the DOE.

When you come home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your residence faster. This isn’t effective and often results in a more expensive electricity cost.

A programmable thermostat is a helpful way to keep your temperature under control, but you have to set programs. If you don’t set programs, you run the risk of forgetting to raise the set temperature when you take off.

If you want a convenient resolution, think about buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat works with with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at your house and when you’re away. Then it intuitively modifies temperature settings for the best savings. How much exactly? About $180 annually on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another plus of getting a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to watch and change temperature settings from just about anywhere.

While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR recommends 82 degrees, that may be unpleasant for the majority of families. Many people sleep better when their bedroom is chilly, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation suggests 65–68 degrees. But that could be too chilly, based on your pajama and blanket preference.

We suggest trying a similar test over a week, setting your thermostat higher and steadily decreasing it to find the best temperature for your residence. On cool nights, you may find keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a superior option than using the air conditioning.

More Ways to Conserve Energy During Hot Weather

There are other ways you can save money on energy bills throughout the summer.

  1. Install an energy-efficient air conditioning system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they get older. A new air conditioner can keep your home comfier while keeping electricity costs down.
  2. Schedule yearly air conditioner tune-ups. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment operating properly and might help it work at greater efficiency. It can also help prolong its life cycle, since it enables professionals to spot seemingly insignificant troubles before they cause a major meltdown.
  3. Replace air filters regularly. Use manufacturer instructions for changing 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 residences in the USA don’t have proper insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Most southern climates need 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates need 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork examined. Ductwork that has come apart over time can leak cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can result in big comfort issues in your residence, like hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal openings, doors and windows. Keep humid air in its place by closing cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more conditioned air within your home.

Conserve More Energy During Warm Weather with B & G HVAC

If you are looking to conserve more energy during warm weather, our B & G HVAC specialists can help. Get in touch with us at 641-649-4649 or contact us online for extra information about our energy-saving cooling options.