You shouldn’t be forced to give up comfort or drain your wallet to keep your residence at a pleasant temp during warm days.

But what is the best temp, exactly? We review recommendations from energy specialists so you can determine 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 people find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees provides ideal comfort. However, if there’s a big difference between your indoor and outdoor warmth, your electricity costs will be higher.

This is our advice based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.

While at home: 78 degrees. While that sounds too high, there are methods you can keep your home pleasant without having the air conditioner going constantly.

Keeping windows and window treatments down during the day keeps cold air where it needs to be—within your home. Some window treatments, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to deliver extra insulation and enhanced energy efficiency.

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 because they freshen through a windchill effect. As they cool people, not spaces, switch them off when you move from a room.

If 78 degrees still seems too hot on the surface, try running a trial for about a week. Start by raising your setting to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, gradually turn it down while using the tips above. You could be astonished at how comfortable you feel at a hotter temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the air conditioner on all day while your residence is vacant. Moving the temperature 7–10 degrees higher can save you an estimated 5–15% on your electricity bills, according to the DOE.

When you arrive home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your residence faster. This isn’t productive and typically produces a bigger air conditioner expense.

A programmable thermostat is a useful method to keep your temperature in check, but it requires setting programs. If you don’t set programs, you might forget to change the set temperature when you take off.

If you’re looking for a convenient solution, think about installing a smart thermostat. This thermostat links 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? Typically $180 annually on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another perk of getting a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to monitor and adjust temperature settings from nearly anywhere.

While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR advises 82 degrees, that might be unpleasant for many families. The majority of people sleep better when their sleeping area is chilly, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation recommends 65–68 degrees. But that could be too cold, based on your PJ and blanket preference.

We advise following a comparable test over a week, setting your temp higher and progressively decreasing it to determine the best setting for your residence. On mild nights, you may find keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a better option than operating the AC.

More Methods to Use Less Energy During Warm Weather

There are extra ways you can save money on AC bills throughout the summer.

  1. Install an energy-efficient AC system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they age. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your home comfier while keeping electrical bills down.
  2. Schedule yearly air conditioner maintenance. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your system working like it should and might help it operate at better efficiency. It can also help lengthen its life span, since it enables techs to pinpoint small troubles before they lead to a major meltdown.
  3. Switch air filters regularly. Read manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A clogged filter can lead to your system short cycling, or run too much, and drive up your energy.
  4. Inspect attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of homes in the USA don’t have enough insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Most southern climates should have 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates should have 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork checked. Ductwork that has separated over time can let conditioned air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can result in big comfort issues in your residence, including hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep muggy air where it belongs by closing holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more cool air within your home.

Save More Energy During Warm Weather with Mechanical Air Systems Co

If you need to conserve more energy during warm weather, our Mechanical Air Systems Co specialists can assist you. Get in touch with us at 641-454-6572 or contact us online for additional details about our energy-saving cooling options.