You shouldn’t be forced to compromise on comfort or drain your wallet to keep your home at the right setting during hot days.

But what is the right temperature, exactly? We discuss ideas from energy professionals so you can choose the best setting for your family.

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

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 inside and outside temperatures, your AC bills will be larger.

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

While at home: 78 degrees. While that appears warm, there are ways you can keep your home cool without having the air conditioning on frequently.

Keeping windows and curtains down during the day keeps cool air where it belongs—indoors. Some window treatments, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to give added insulation and better energy savings.

If you have ceiling fans in your residence, the DOE says you can increase thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees warmer without sacrificing comfort. That’s because they freshen by a windchill effect. As they cool people, not spaces, switch them off when you leave a room.

If 78 degrees still feels too hot initially, try doing an experiment for approximately a week. Start by raising your setting to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, gradually turn it down while following the suggestions above. You could be surprised at how comfortable you feel at a hotter temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the air conditioner working all day while your home is empty. Switching the setting 7–10 degrees higher can save you as much as 5–15% on your cooling costs, according to the DOE.

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

A programmable thermostat is a useful approach to keep your temp in check, but you need to set programs. If you don’t use programs, you risk forgetting to change the set temperature when you take off.

If you’re looking for a convenient resolution, think about buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it knows when you’re at home and when you’re away. Then it automatically changes temperature settings for the best savings. How much exactly? An estimated $180 annually on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another advantage of having 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 suggests 82 degrees, that may be too uncomfortable for the majority of families. Many people sleep better when their bedroom is cold, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation recommends 60–67 degrees. But that might be too chilly, depending on your PJ and blanket preference.

We recommend following an equivalent test over a week, putting your thermostat higher and gradually lowering it to pinpoint the ideal setting for your house. On pleasant nights, you may find keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a superior option than using the air conditioning.

More Methods to Use Less Energy During Warm Weather

There are added methods you can save money on energy bills throughout the summer.

  1. Install an energy-efficient air conditioning system. Central air conditioners only are effective for about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they become older. An updated air conditioner can keep your residence cooler while keeping cooling expenses small.
  2. Book regular air conditioner maintenance. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment working like it should and may help it operate at greater efficiency. It may also help prolong its life expectancy, since it helps techs to pinpoint little troubles before they create a major meltdown.
  3. Replace air filters often. Follow manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A clogged filter can cause your system to short cycle, or turn on and off too frequently, and drive up your electricity.
  4. Measure attic insulation levels. Just about 90% of homes in the U.S. don’t have adequate insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Most southern climates need 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates should have 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork examined. Ductwork that has separated over time can seep cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create big comfort troubles in your home, such as hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep humid air in its place by sealing openings. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more cool air indoors.

Conserve More Energy During Hot Weather with J.L. Brady Company LLC

If you need to use less energy during warm weather, our J.L. Brady Company LLC specialists can assist you. Give us a call at 309-517-7511 or contact us online for additional details about our energy-saving cooling options.