You shouldn’t be forced to compromise on comfort or drain your wallet to keep your residence at a refreshing temp during warm days.
But what is the right temp, exactly? We go over ideas from energy professionals so you can determine the best temperature for your house.
Here’s what we advise for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Des Moines.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most people find setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees provides ideal comfort. However, if there’s a major difference between your interior and exterior temps, your electrical expenses 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 appears too high, there are approaches you can keep your house cool without having the AC on constantly.
Keeping windows and blinds shut during the day keeps chilled air where it belongs—within your home. Some window coverings, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to deliver extra insulation and better energy savings.
If you have ceiling fans in your residence, the DOE says you can increase thermostat settings about 4 degrees warmer without sacrificing comfort. That’s due to the fact they freshen with a windchill effect. As they cool people, not rooms, switch them off when you move from a room.
If 78 degrees still feels too warm at first glance, try doing an experiment for about a week. Begin by raising your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, progressively lower it while adhering to the advice above. You may be amazed at how refreshed you feel at a warmer temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the AC on all day while your residence is vacant. Moving the temperature 7–10 degrees warmer can save you as much as 5–15% on your electrical costs, according to the DOE.
When you come home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your residence more rapidly. This isn’t useful and usually leads to a more expensive air conditioner cost.
A programmable thermostat is a helpful approach to keep your settings in check, but you have to set programs. If you don’t set programs, you run the risk of forgetting to raise the set temperature when you take off.
If you’re looking for a convenient remedy, think about 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 changes temperature settings for the best savings. How much exactly? An estimated $180 yearly on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another perk of installing a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to monitor and change temperature settings from almost anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR advises 82 degrees, that might be unpleasant for most families. Many people sleep better when their bedroom is chilly, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation advises 60–67 degrees. But that might be too chilly, based on your clothing and blanket preference.
We suggest trying a similar test over a week, putting your thermostat higher and gradually turning it down to locate the right temp for your family. On mild nights, you may learn keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a preferable idea than running the air conditioning.
More Approaches to Conserve Energy During Hot Weather
There are added ways you can conserve money on AC bills throughout warm weather.
- Upgrade to an energy-efficient air conditioning 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 more comfortable while keeping electricity bills small.
- Schedule yearly air conditioner maintenance. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit operating properly and might help it run at better efficiency. It might also help lengthen its life cycle, since it enables pros to pinpoint seemingly insignificant troubles before they lead to a major meltdown.
- Change air filters regularly. Follow manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A clogged filter can result in your system short cycling, or run too frequently, and increase your utility.
- Check attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of houses in the United States don’t have proper insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Many southern climates should have 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates need 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork inspected. Ductwork that has loosened over time can seep conditioned air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can result in major comfort issues in your home, such as hot and cold spots.
- Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep hot air where it should be by sealing cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more conditioned air within your home.
Use Less Energy During Warm Weather with Heartland Heating & Cooling
If you are looking to use less energy during hot weather, our Heartland Heating & Cooling pros can help. Give us a call at 515-800-9344 or contact us online for additional details about our energy-saving cooling solutions.