You shouldn’t have to give up comfort or spend a lot to keep your house at a refreshing setting during the summer.
But what is the best temp, exactly? We review ideas from energy professionals so you can choose the best temperature for your house.
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 placing the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a major difference between your indoor and outdoor temps, your electrical expenses will be greater.
These are our recommendations based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
While at home: 78 degrees. While that seems too high, there are methods you can keep your residence refreshing without having the AC going frequently.
Keeping windows and curtains closed during the day keeps chilled air where it needs to be—indoors. Some window treatments, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to give added insulation and enhanced energy conservation.
If you have ceiling fans in your house, the DOE says you can increase thermostat temps about 4 degrees higher without sacrificing comfort. That’s because they cool with a windchill effect. As they cool people, not spaces, shut them off when you exit a room.
If 78 degrees still seems too uncomfortable initially, try running a test for a week or so. Begin by upping your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, gradually lower it while following the advice above. You might be surprised at how refreshed you feel at a hotter temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the AC on all day while your home is unoccupied. Moving the temperature 7–10 degrees warmer can save you an estimated 5–15% on your electrical costs, according to the DOE.
When you arrive home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your home more quickly. This isn’t productive and usually leads to a more expensive electricity bill.
A programmable thermostat is a good approach to keep your temperature in check, but you need to set programs. If you don’t set programs, you risk forgetting to move the set temperature when you take off.
If you want a handy remedy, think about buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it knows when you’re at home and when you’re away. Then it automatically changes temperature settings for the best savings. How much exactly? Typically $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another benefit of using a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to watch and change temperature settings from almost anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR advises 82 degrees, that could be unpleasant for most families. The majority of people sleep better when their sleeping area is chilled, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation recommends 60–67 degrees. But that might be too chilly, based on your clothing and blanket preference.
We suggest trying an equivalent test over a week, putting your temperature higher and slowly turning it down to pick the ideal temp for your house. On mild nights, you may learn keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a superior option than running the air conditioner.
More Ways to Conserve Energy During Warm Weather
There are added ways you can conserve money on energy bills throughout hot weather.
- Upgrade to an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only are effective for about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they get older. A new air conditioner can keep your home comfier while keeping utility costs down.
- Book yearly air conditioner maintenance. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment running like it should and might help it work at better efficiency. It can also help prolong its life expectancy, since it enables technicians to pinpoint seemingly insignificant issues before they cause a major meltdown.
- Change air filters frequently. Use manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A dusty filter can lead to your system short cycling, or turn on and off too much, and drive up your utility.
- Inspect attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of homes in the U.S. don’t have enough insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Most southern climates need 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates need 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork examined. Ductwork that has loosened over time can leak cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create big comfort issues in your home, such as hot and cold spots.
- Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep humid air where it belongs by sealing cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more cold air within your home.
Use Less Energy During Warm Weather with Kelly Heating & Air Conditioning
If you want to use less energy during warm weather, our Kelly Heating & Air Conditioning specialists can help. Give us a call at 319-337-3520 or contact us online for more details about our energy-saving cooling products.
