You shouldn’t have to compromise on comfort or empty your wallet to keep your house at a refreshing temp during the summer.
But what is the right temperature, exactly? We discuss advice from energy pros so you can determine the best setting for your family.
Here’s what we advise for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Mason City.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most people find setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a huge difference between your indoor and outside temps, your electrical expenses 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 appears warm, there are approaches you can keep your home cool without having the AC running all the time.
Keeping windows and blinds down during the day keeps cool air where it should be—within your home. Some window solutions, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to provide more insulation and better energy savings.
If you have ceiling fans in your home, the DOE says you can increase thermostat temps about 4 degrees warmer without giving up comfort. That’s due to the fact they cool with a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not areas, turn them off when you exit a room.
If 78 degrees still seems too warm initially, try doing an experiment for about a week. Start by raising your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, progressively lower it while adhering to the tips above. You may be amazed at how cool you feel at a warmer temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the AC working all day while your house is unoccupied. Moving the temperature 7–10 degrees hotter can save you as much as 5–15% on your electricity bills, according to the DOE.
When you come home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your house faster. This isn’t useful and typically produces a bigger electrical expense.
A programmable thermostat is a helpful way to keep your settings under control, but it requires setting programs. If you don’t use programs, you risk forgetting to raise the set temperature when you go.
If you need a convenient resolution, consider getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat links 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? Typically $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another benefit of getting a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to monitor and change temperature settings from just about anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR suggests 82 degrees, that might be unbearable for the majority of families. Many people sleep better when their bedroom is chilly, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation suggests 60–67 degrees. But that could be too cool, depending on your pajama and blanket preference.
We advise following a comparable test over a week, setting your temperature higher and steadily lowering it to select the right temp for your family. On pleasant nights, you might discover keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a better solution than operating the air conditioning.
More Methods to Conserve Energy This Summer
There are extra approaches you can spend less money on air conditioning bills throughout hot weather.
- Install an energy-efficient AC system. Central air conditioners only work for about 12–15 years and become less efficient as they age. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your residence more comfortable while keeping energy expenses down.
- Book regular air conditioner tune-ups. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit working like it should and could help it operate more efficiently. It might also help prolong its life cycle, since it allows pros to pinpoint little problems before they cause a major meltdown.
- Replace air filters often. Follow manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A dirty filter can result in your system short cycling, or run too frequently, and increase your electricity.
- Check attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of residences in the U.S. don’t have adequate insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. The majority of southern climates require 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates should have 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork checked. Ductwork that has loosened over time can leak cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create huge comfort problems in your home, like hot and cold spots.
- Seal openings, doors and windows. Keep humid air in its place by sealing holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more cold air inside.
Save More Energy During Hot Weather with Mechanical Air Systems Co
If you want to save more energy during hot weather, our Mechanical Air Systems Co pros can assist you. Give us a call at 641-454-6572 or contact us online for extra details about our energy-saving cooling solutions.