You shouldn’t have to compromise on comfort or drain your wallet to keep your residence at the right temperature during hot days.

But what is the best temp, exactly? We review recommendations from energy specialists so you can determine the best temp for your family.

Here’s what we advise for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Iowa City.

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most families find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees provides ideal comfort. However, if there’s a sizeable difference between your inside and outdoor temperatures, your AC expenses 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 sounds warm, there are approaches you can keep your residence pleasant without having the air conditioner on constantly.

Keeping windows and curtains down during the day keeps cool air where it needs to be—indoors. Some window coverings, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to deliver extra insulation and better energy efficiency.

If you have ceiling fans in your house, the DOE says you can move thermostat settings about 4 degrees higher without giving up comfort. That’s due to the fact they freshen with a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not rooms, turn them off when you leave a room.

If 78 degrees still seems too uncomfortable at first glance, try doing an experiment for a week or so. Get started by increasing your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, gradually turn it down while adhering to the tips above. You may be surprised at how cool you feel at a hotter temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no need to keep the AC going all day while your residence is vacant. Switching the temp 7–10 degrees higher can save you anywhere from 5–15% on your air conditioning expenses, according to the DOE.

When you come home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat under 78 to cool your house more quickly. This isn’t useful and typically produces a higher cooling bill.

A programmable thermostat is a good method to keep your temp in check, but you have to set programs. If you don’t set programs, you run the risk of forgetting to move the set temperature when you take off.

If you need a convenient fix, think over getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat works with with your phone, so it knows when you’re at home and when you’re gone. Then it intuitively changes temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? About $180 yearly on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another plus of installing a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to keep an eye on and adjust temperature settings from nearly anywhere.

While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR recommends 82 degrees, that may be unbearable for most families. Most people sleep better when their sleeping space is cold, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation suggests 65–68 degrees. But that might be too cold, based on your PJ and blanket preference.

We suggest running a similar test over a week, setting your thermostat higher and gradually lowering it to select the right temperature for your family. On cool nights, you may discover keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a preferable solution than using the air conditioner.

More Approaches to Conserve Energy This Summer

There are additional approaches you can spend less 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 become older. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your home more comfortable while keeping utility costs low.
  2. Schedule yearly air conditioner tune-ups. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment running smoothly and may help it operate more efficiently. It might also help lengthen its life cycle, since it helps techs to find little issues before they cause a major meltdown.
  3. Change air filters regularly. Use manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A clogged filter can cause your system to short cycle, or switch on and off too much, and drive up your electrical.
  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 should have 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates should have 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork examined. Ductwork that has loosened over time can seep cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to big comfort issues in your house, like hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal openings, doors and windows. Keep muggy air where it should be by plugging cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more conditioned air within your home.

Conserve More Energy During Warm Weather with Kelly Heating & Air Conditioning

If you are looking to use less energy during warm weather, our Kelly Heating & Air Conditioning pros can help. Reach us at 319-337-3520 or contact us online for additional details about our energy-saving cooling products.