You shouldn’t be forced to compromise on comfort or spend a lot to keep your home at the right setting during the summer.

But what is the ideal setting, exactly? We discuss recommendations from energy pros so you can choose the best temp for your house.

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most households find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a sizeable difference between your interior and outdoor warmth, your AC costs will be larger.

This is our advice 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 frequently.

Keeping windows and curtains down during the day keeps cool air where it should be—within your home. Some window coverings, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to offer extra insulation and improved energy efficiency.

If you have ceiling fans in your home, the DOE says you can increase thermostat settings about 4 degrees higher without sacrificing comfort. That’s due to the fact they freshen by a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not rooms, switch them off when you exit a room.

If 78 degrees still seems too hot initially, try conducting a test for approximately a week. Begin by increasing your setting to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, steadily turn it down while using the advice above. You might be amazed at how refreshed you feel at a hotter temperature setting.

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

When you arrive home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat under 78 to cool your home faster. This isn’t useful and typically produces a higher AC bill.

A programmable thermostat is a helpful approach to keep your temperature under control, but you need to set programs. If you don’t set programs, you might forget to move the set temperature when you leave.

If you’re looking for a convenient resolution, think over getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat works with with your phone, so it is aware when you’re at your residence and when you’re away. Then it automatically changes temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? Typically $180 yearly on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

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

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

We recommend using an equivalent test over a week, moving your thermostat higher and progressively decreasing it to determine the ideal temp for your house. On pleasant nights, you may learn keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a superior idea than operating the air conditioner.

More Ways to Conserve Energy During Warm Weather

There are added ways you can conserve money on AC bills throughout the summer.

  1. Upgrade to an energy-efficient AC system. Central air conditioners only work for about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they become older. An updated air conditioner can keep your home cooler while keeping utility bills small.
  2. Set regular air conditioner maintenance. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your system running properly and may help it work at greater efficiency. It can also help lengthen its life cycle, since it enables professionals to spot little issues before they cause a major meltdown.
  3. Replace air filters often. Follow manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A clogged filter can result in your system short cycling, or run too much, and drive up your cooling.
  4. Inspect attic insulation levels. Just about 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 come apart over time can seep cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can result in big comfort troubles in your home, such as hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep muggy air in its place by plugging holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more conditioned air within your home.

Save More Energy During Warm Weather with Haselhoff Air Solutions

If you want to use less energy this summer, our Haselhoff Air Solutions specialists can help. Reach us at 515-450-8739 or contact us online for extra info about our energy-saving cooling solutions.