You shouldn’t have to compromise on comfort or spend a lot to keep your house at the right setting during muggy weather.

But what is the ideal temperature, exactly? We review suggestions from energy specialists so you can find the best temp for your house.

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most people find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees provides ideal comfort. However, if there’s a sizeable difference between your interior and exterior temperatures, your electrical bills will be higher.

These are our recommendations based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.

While at home: 78 degrees. While that seems too high, there are approaches you can keep your residence refreshing without having the air conditioning running all the time.

Keeping windows and curtains closed during the day keeps cool air where it should be—within your home. Some window treatments, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to deliver extra insulation and enhanced energy conservation.

If you have ceiling fans in your residence, the DOE says you can raise thermostat temps about 4 degrees warmer without sacrificing comfort. That’s since they cool by a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not areas, turn them off when you leave a room.

If 78 degrees still feels too warm at first glance, try running a trial for about a week. Get started by increasing your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, steadily turn it down while using the ideas above. You might be astonished at how comfortable you feel at a higher temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no need to keep the air conditioning going all day while your home is unoccupied. Switching the temperature 7–10 degrees higher can save you an estimated 5–15% on your electrical bills, according to the DOE.

When you arrive home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat under 78 to cool your home faster. This isn’t productive and usually produces a bigger electrical cost.

A programmable thermostat is a good approach to keep your settings controlled, but it requires setting programs. If you don’t use programs, you might forget to raise the set temperature when you leave.

If you want a hassle-free fix, consider installing a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at home and when you’re away. Then it automatically adjusts temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? Usually $180 annually on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another perk of using a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to watch and change temperature settings from just about anywhere.

While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR recommends 82 degrees, that might be too uncomfortable for the majority of 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 chilly, due to your clothing and blanket preference.

We suggest using a comparable test over a week, setting your temperature higher and steadily lowering it to pick the ideal setting for your family. On cool nights, you could discover keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a better option than operating the AC.

More Approaches to Save Energy During Hot Weather

There are additional methods you can save money on air conditioning bills throughout hot weather.

  1. Get an energy-efficient air conditioning system. Central air conditioners only are effective for about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they get older. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your home comfier while keeping cooling expenses down.
  2. Set regular air conditioner maintenance. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment working like it should and may help it work at better efficiency. It can also help lengthen its life cycle, since it helps professionals to find little problems before they cause a major meltdown.
  3. Replace air filters regularly. Use manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A dirty filter can cause your system to short cycle, or turn on and off too often, and drive up your energy.
  4. Check attic insulation levels. Just about 90% of homes in the United States don’t have proper insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. The majority of southern climates should have 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates should have 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork inspected. Ductwork that has loosened over time can seep cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create major comfort problems in your home, including hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal openings, doors and windows. Keep muggy air where it belongs by closing cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more cold air within your home.

Save More Energy During Hot Weather with Ilten's

If you are looking to use less energy during hot weather, our Ilten's professionals can provide assistance. Reach us at 319-343-5158 or contact us online for more info about our energy-saving cooling solutions.