You shouldn’t be forced to give up comfort or spend a lot to keep your home at a pleasant setting during the summer.

But what is the best temp, exactly? We go over advice from energy specialists so you can choose the best temp for your home.

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

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most households find placing the thermostat at 72-73 degrees provides ideal comfort. However, if there’s a major difference between your inside and outside temperatures, your utility costs will be higher.

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

While at home: 78 degrees. While that sounds hot, there are methods you can keep your house cool without having the air conditioning going frequently.

Keeping windows and curtains shut during the day keeps cold air where it belongs—inside. Some window coverings, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to provide more insulation and improved energy conservation.

If you have ceiling fans in your residence, the DOE says you can increase thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees higher without giving up comfort. That’s since they refresh with a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not areas, shut them off when you exit a room.

If 78 degrees still feels too warm on the surface, try doing an experiment for a week or so. Get started by raising your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, gradually turn it down while using the suggestions above. You may be surprised at how refreshed you feel at a warmer temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no reason to keep the AC working all day while your house is unoccupied. Moving the setting 7–10 degrees higher can save you anywhere from 5–15% on your electrical expenses, according to the DOE.

When you get home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your home more rapidly. This isn’t effective and typically leads to a more expensive electricity bill.

A programmable thermostat is a useful method to keep your settings controlled, but you need to set programs. If you don’t use programs, you might forget to increase the set temperature when you go.

If you want a hassle-free solution, consider buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at your residence and when you’re away. Then it automatically changes temperature settings for the best savings. How much exactly? Usually $180 yearly on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another benefit of installing a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to keep an eye on and change temperature settings from almost anywhere.

While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR suggests 82 degrees, that may be too uncomfortable for many families. Most people sleep better when their bedroom is cold, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation suggests 60–67 degrees. But that could be too chilly, based on your PJ and blanket preference.

We suggest running an equivalent test over a week, putting your temp higher and gradually turning it down to pinpoint the ideal setting for your residence. On pleasant nights, you could learn keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a preferable solution than operating the air conditioning.

More Methods to Conserve Energy During Warm Weather

There are other approaches you can spend less money on energy bills throughout warm weather.

  1. Install an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only are effective for about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they get older. A new air conditioner can keep your residence comfier while keeping electricity costs small.
  2. Schedule yearly air conditioner service. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your system running like it should and might help it run at greater efficiency. It can also help prolong its life expectancy, since it allows techs to spot little issues before they cause a major meltdown.
  3. Switch air filters often. Read manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A dirty filter can cause your system to short cycle, or switch on and off too much, and increase your electrical.
  4. Check attic insulation levels. Just about 90% of homes in the U.S. 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 require 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork inspected. Ductwork that has loosened over time can leak cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to big comfort problems in your house, such as hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal openings, doors and windows. Keep muggy air in its place by sealing holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more cold air indoors.

Save More Energy During Warm Weather with Freed Heating & Air Conditioning

If you want to save more energy during warm weather, our Freed Heating & Air Conditioning specialists can help. Reach us at 309-323-9584 or contact us online for additional information about our energy-saving cooling options.