You shouldn’t have to give up comfort or empty your wallet to keep your residence at a refreshing setting during muggy weather.

But what is the ideal temp, exactly? We go over advice from energy specialists so you can select the best setting for your family.

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

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

These are our recommendations 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 house pleasant without having the AC going frequently.

Keeping windows and window treatments shut during the day keeps cool air where it needs to be—inside. Some window solutions, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to give extra insulation and improved energy conservation.

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 with a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not areas, turn them off when you exit a room.

If 78 degrees still feels too hot on the surface, try doing a test for approximately a week. Get started by increasing your setting to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, progressively lower it while adhering to the suggestions above. You could be astonished at how cool you feel at a hotter temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no need to keep the AC working all day while your home is unoccupied. Switching the setting 7–10 degrees hotter can save you anywhere from 5–15% on your electrical costs, according to the DOE.

When you come home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat below 78 to cool your house more rapidly. This isn’t productive and typically produces a more expensive electricity bill.

A programmable thermostat is a useful method to keep your settings under control, but it requires setting programs. If you don’t set programs, you risk forgetting to change the set temperature when you take off.

If you need a handy solution, think about getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at your house and when you’re away. Then it instinctively adjusts temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? Typically $180 annually on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another advantage of getting a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to watch and adjust temperature settings from almost anywhere.

While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR advises 82 degrees, that could be too uncomfortable for most families. Many people sleep better when their bedroom is chilled, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation recommends 65–68 degrees. But that could be too cool, depending on your pajama and blanket preference.

We recommend running an equivalent test over a week, moving your thermostat higher and gradually turning it down to determine the right setting for your residence. On mild nights, you could find keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a superior option than running the air conditioning.

More Approaches to Conserve Energy During Hot Weather

There are added methods you can conserve money on utility bills throughout hot weather.

  1. Get an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and become less efficient as they get older. An updated air conditioner can keep your house comfier while keeping electrical bills small.
  2. Set annual air conditioner tune-ups. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment working properly and could help it operate more efficiently. It could also help extend its life span, since it enables techs to find seemingly insignificant issues before they lead to a major meltdown.
  3. Change air filters frequently. Follow manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A dusty filter can cause your system to short cycle, or turn on and off too much, and increase your electricity.
  4. Measure attic insulation levels. Just about 90% of homes 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 need 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork examined. Ductwork that has separated over time can seep cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to major comfort issues in your residence, including hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep humid air in its place by closing openings. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more cold air inside.

Save More Energy During Hot Weather with Haselhoff Air Solutions

If you want to use less energy during hot weather, our Haselhoff Air Solutions professionals can help. Get in touch with us at 515-450-8739 or contact us online for more info about our energy-saving cooling options.