You shouldn’t need to give up comfort or empty your wallet to keep your residence at a pleasant temperature during summer weather.

But what is the best temp, exactly? We discuss advice from energy professionals 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 Mason City.

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most families find setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a big difference between your interior and outside warmth, your cooling costs 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 hot, there are approaches you can keep your house refreshing without having the AC running constantly.

Keeping windows and curtains down during the day keeps cold air where it belongs—indoors. Some window treatments, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to give extra insulation and better energy conservation.

If you have ceiling fans in your home, the DOE says you can increase thermostat temps about 4 degrees hotter without giving up comfort. That’s since they freshen through a windchill effect. As they cool people, not areas, shut them off when you move from a room.

If 78 degrees still appears too hot on the surface, try doing a trial for about a week. Start by increasing your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, steadily lower it while adhering to the tips above. You could be shocked at how cool you feel at a warmer temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no reason to keep the air conditioner working all day while your residence is vacant. Switching the temperature 7–10 degrees hotter 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 residence faster. This isn’t effective and often results in a higher AC cost.

A programmable thermostat is a helpful way to keep your temperature in check, but you have to set programs. If you don’t set programs, you risk forgetting to move the set temperature when you go.

If you want a handy remedy, think about getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat works with with your phone, so it is aware when you’re at home and when you’re out. Then it intuitively changes temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? An estimated $180 yearly on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

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

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

We advise running a similar test over a week, putting your temperature higher and gradually lowering it to find the best temperature for your house. On cool nights, you might find keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a better solution than operating the air conditioning.

More Approaches to Use Less Energy During Hot Weather

There are additional ways you can save money on AC bills throughout hot weather.

  1. Upgrade to an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and become less efficient as they become older. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your home cooler while keeping cooling expenses low.
  2. Schedule regular air conditioner service. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your system operating smoothly and could help it run more efficiently. It may also help prolong its life span, since it enables techs to pinpoint small issues before they lead to a major meltdown.
  3. Switch air filters frequently. Use manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A clogged filter can lead to your system short cycling, or turn on and off too much, and increase your utility.
  4. Check attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of houses in the U.S. don’t have adequate insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Many southern climates should have 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates need 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork inspected. Ductwork that has come apart over time can leak cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can result in huge comfort issues in your house, like hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal openings, doors and windows. Keep warm air where it belongs by sealing cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more cool air within your home.

Use Less Energy This Summer with Mechanical Air Systems Co

If you want to conserve more energy during hot weather, our Mechanical Air Systems Co pros can provide assistance. Give us a call at 641-243-4654 or contact us online for extra info about our energy-saving cooling solutions.