You shouldn’t need to sacrifice comfort or empty your wallet to keep your home at a refreshing temp during muggy weather.

But what is the right setting, exactly? We discuss suggestions from energy pros 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 households find setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a major difference between your indoor and outside temperatures, your cooling costs will be higher.

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

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

Keeping windows and blinds closed during the day keeps chilled air where it belongs—within your home. Some window treatments, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to offer extra insulation and better energy savings.

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

If 78 degrees still appears too hot at first glance, try doing a test for approximately a week. Start by upping your setting to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, gradually decrease it while adhering to the suggestions above. You might be shocked at how cool you feel at a warmer temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no reason to keep the air conditioner working all day while your residence is vacant. Turning the temperature 7–10 degrees hotter can save you anywhere from 5–15% on your electricity expenses, according to the DOE.

When you arrive home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat below 78 to cool your home faster. This isn’t productive and typically produces a bigger electricity bill.

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

If you’re looking for a convenient fix, think about getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it knows when you’re at your house and when you’re out. Then it automatically adjusts temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? Typically $180 annually on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

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

While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR advises 82 degrees, that might be too uncomfortable for most families. Most people sleep better when their bedroom is chilled, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation recommends 60–67 degrees. But that could be too cool, depending on your clothing and blanket preference.

We recommend trying a similar test over a week, setting your temp higher and slowly turning it down to pick the ideal temp for your residence. On pleasant nights, you could find keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a better idea than using the air conditioning.

More Approaches to Conserve Energy During Hot Weather

There are added approaches you can conserve money on utility bills throughout the summer.

  1. Install an energy-efficient AC system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they get older. A new air conditioner can keep your residence more comfortable while keeping AC expenses down.
  2. Set yearly air conditioner tune-ups. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your system running smoothly and might help it operate more efficiently. It can also help prolong its life span, since it enables technicians to find small issues before they lead to a major meltdown.
  3. Replace air filters frequently. Use manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A dirty filter can result in your system short cycling, or switch on and off too often, and raise your cooling.
  4. Check attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of residences in the United States don’t have enough insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Most southern climates need 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates require 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork examined. Ductwork that has separated over time can seep conditioned air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can result in huge comfort issues in your house, including hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep hot air where it should be by plugging cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more cool air within your home.

Use Less Energy During Warm Weather with Van Haaften Plumbing & Heating

If you need to use less energy during hot weather, our Van Haaften Plumbing & Heating pros can provide assistance. Reach us at 641-628-3621 or contact us online for additional details about our energy-saving cooling options.