You shouldn’t need to compromise on comfort or spend a lot to keep your house at the right temperature during the summer.

But what is the best setting, exactly? We discuss advice from energy pros so you can determine the best temp for your loved ones.

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most families find placing the thermostat at 72-73 degrees provides ideal comfort. However, if there’s a major difference between your indoor and outside temps, your electricity 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 approaches you can keep your home cool without having the AC on frequently.

Keeping windows and blinds closed during the day keeps cold air where it belongs—indoors. Some window treatments, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to offer more insulation and better energy efficiency.

If you have ceiling fans in your home, the DOE says you can raise thermostat temps about 4 degrees higher without giving up comfort. That’s because they freshen by a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not spaces, switch them off when you leave a room.

If 78 degrees still feels too hot at first glance, try conducting a test for approximately a week. Get started by increasing your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, progressively turn it down while adhering to the advice above. You might be amazed at how cool you feel at a hotter temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no reason to keep the AC working all day while your home is empty. Turning the temp 7–10 degrees warmer can save you anywhere from 5–15% on your electricity costs, according to the DOE.

When you come home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat below 78 to cool your house more quickly. This isn’t useful and often leads to a more expensive AC cost.

A programmable thermostat is a useful approach to keep your temperature under control, but it requires setting programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you risk forgetting to increase the set temperature when you leave.

If you’re looking for a hassle-free remedy, think over buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at home and when you’re out. Then it automatically adjusts temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? An estimated $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 regulate temperature settings from almost anywhere.

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

We advise using an equivalent test over a week, setting your temperature higher and slowly decreasing it to locate the best temp for your house. On pleasant nights, you might learn keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a better solution than operating the AC.

More Approaches to Use Less Energy During Hot Weather

There are added approaches you can save money on energy bills throughout warm weather.

  1. Get an energy-efficient AC system. Central air conditioners only work for about 12–15 years and become less efficient as they age. An updated air conditioner can keep your house cooler while keeping energy costs down.
  2. Set regular air conditioner maintenance. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit running smoothly and might help it work at greater efficiency. It could also help extend its life expectancy, since it helps techs to spot seemingly insignificant issues before they lead to a major meltdown.
  3. Switch air filters regularly. Use manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A dirty filter can lead to your system short cycling, or run too frequently, and increase your electrical.
  4. Check attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of houses in the USA don’t have proper insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Most southern climates require 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates need 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork checked. Ductwork that has separated over time can let conditioned air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to major comfort issues in your house, such as hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep humid air where it belongs by plugging openings. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more conditioned air indoors.

Save More Energy This Summer with Van Haaften Plumbing & Heating

If you need to conserve more energy this summer, our Van Haaften Plumbing & Heating pros can assist you. Give us a call at 641-628-3621 or contact us online for more details about our energy-saving cooling solutions.