You shouldn’t have to sacrifice comfort or drain your wallet to keep your residence at a refreshing temp during hot days.

But what is the right temperature, exactly? We discuss ideas from energy specialists so you can select the best temperature for your house.

Here’s what we recommend for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Des Moines.

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most families find setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees provides ideal comfort. However, if there’s a sizeable difference between your interior and outside temperatures, your utility bills will be larger.

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

While at home: 78 degrees. While that seems hot, there are ways you can keep your home cool without having the air conditioning running constantly.

Keeping windows and window treatments closed during the day keeps cold air where it needs to be—inside. Some window treatments, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to give added insulation and improved energy savings.

If you have ceiling fans in your residence, the DOE says you can raise thermostat settings about 4 degrees warmer without sacrificing comfort. That’s because they refresh through a windchill effect. As they cool people, not rooms, shut them off when you leave a room.

If 78 degrees still appears too hot on the surface, try doing a trial for a week or so. Begin by increasing your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, progressively decrease it while adhering to the tips above. You may be surprised at how comfortable you feel at a warmer temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no reason to keep the air conditioning working all day while your house is vacant. Turning the temp 7–10 degrees hotter can save you anywhere from 5–15% on your air conditioning bills, according to the DOE.

When you arrive home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat under 78 to cool your house faster. This isn’t productive and typically produces a higher cooling expense.

A programmable thermostat is a good way to keep your temperature in check, but you have to set programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you run the risk of forgetting to change the set temperature when you go.

If you need a convenient fix, consider buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it knows when you’re at your residence and when you’re away. Then it instinctively adjusts temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? About $180 yearly on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another benefit of having 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 many families. The majority of people sleep better when their sleeping space is cold, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation advises 65–68 degrees. But that might be too cool, due to your clothing and blanket preference.

We recommend using a comparable test over a week, setting your temperature higher and gradually turning it down to select the right temperature for your family. On pleasant nights, you may discover keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a superior solution than running the air conditioner.

More Ways to Conserve Energy During Warm Weather

There are extra ways you can save money on cooling bills throughout warm weather.

  1. Install an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they age. An updated air conditioner can keep your residence comfier while keeping energy expenses small.
  2. Book yearly air conditioner tune-ups. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your system running properly and could help it run more efficiently. It can also help prolong its life cycle, since it helps techs to pinpoint little troubles before they cause a major meltdown.
  3. Replace air filters regularly. Read manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A dirty filter can result in your system short cycling, or turn on and off too frequently, and increase your cooling.
  4. Measure attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of houses in the United States don’t have enough insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Many southern climates require 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates should have 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork inspected. Ductwork that has separated over time can leak cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can result in major comfort troubles in your house, like 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 seal more conditioned air indoors.

Use Less Energy During Warm Weather with Heartland Heating & Cooling

If you are looking to save more energy this summer, our Heartland Heating & Cooling pros can help. Get in touch with us at 515-986-5007 or contact us online for more details about our energy-saving cooling products.