You shouldn’t be forced to compromise on comfort or empty your wallet to keep your home at a pleasant setting during muggy weather.

But what is the best temperature, exactly? We go over recommendations from energy experts so you can select the best setting for your house.

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most families find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a huge difference between your inside and outside warmth, your electrical bills will be bigger.

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

While at home: 78 degrees. While that seems too high, there are ways you can keep your residence refreshing without having the AC running constantly.

Keeping windows and window treatments shut during the day keeps chilled air where it should be—indoors. Some window coverings, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to deliver more insulation and enhanced energy conservation.

If you have ceiling fans in your home, the DOE says you can raise thermostat settings about 4 degrees hotter without giving up comfort. That’s due to the fact they refresh by a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not spaces, shut them off when you leave a room.

If 78 degrees still appears too warm on the surface, try conducting a trial for approximately a week. Start by upping your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, steadily turn it down while adhering to the suggestions above. You may be surprised at how cool you feel at a higher temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the air conditioning going all day while your home is empty. Moving the setting 7–10 degrees warmer can save you anywhere from 5–15% on your electrical costs, according to the DOE.

When you get home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat below 78 to cool your residence more rapidly. This isn’t productive and typically leads to a more expensive electricity expense.

A programmable thermostat is a useful approach to keep your temp in check, but you need to set programs. If you don’t use programs, you run the risk of forgetting to increase the set temperature when you take off.

If you want a handy solution, think about buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat works with with your phone, so it knows when you’re at your residence and when you’re away. Then it instinctively changes temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? About $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another perk of installing a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to watch and regulate temperature settings from nearly anywhere.

While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR suggests 82 degrees, that could be unbearable for many families. The majority of people sleep better when their sleeping space is cold, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation advises 65–68 degrees. But that may be too chilly, based on your clothing and blanket preference.

We advise using an equivalent test over a week, putting your temperature higher and gradually turning it down to locate the ideal setting for your house. On pleasant nights, you may find keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a superior option than operating the air conditioning.

More Ways to Conserve Energy This Summer

There are other approaches you can spend less money on cooling bills throughout the summer.

  1. Install an energy-efficient air conditioning system. Central air conditioners only are effective for about 12–15 years and become less efficient as they become older. A new air conditioner can keep your residence cooler while keeping energy bills low.
  2. Book yearly air conditioner tune-ups. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit operating smoothly and might help it operate at better efficiency. It may also help extend its life expectancy, since it enables pros to find small problems before they cause a major meltdown.
  3. Switch air filters often. Use manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A dirty filter can result in your system short cycling, or switch on and off too much, and raise your electrical.
  4. Check attic insulation levels. Just about 90% of residences in the U.S. don’t have adequate insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. The majority of southern climates need 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates should have 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork inspected. Ductwork that has come apart over time can seep cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can result in major comfort problems in your home, including hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep muggy air in its place by plugging openings. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more cool air within your home.

Save More Energy This Summer with Van Haaften Plumbing & Heating

If you are looking to use less energy during hot weather, our Van Haaften Plumbing & Heating experts can provide assistance. Give us a call at 641-628-3621 or contact us online for more info about our energy-saving cooling products.