You shouldn’t have to give up comfort or drain your wallet to keep your residence at a refreshing temp during warm days.
But what is the best setting, exactly? We review ideas from energy specialists so you can choose the best temp 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 placing the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a big difference between your indoor and outdoor temperatures, your cooling 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 appears too high, there are ways you can keep your residence pleasant without having the air conditioning on constantly.
Keeping windows and blinds down during the day keeps chilled air where it belongs—inside. Some window coverings, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to deliver added insulation and improved energy savings.
If you have ceiling fans in your home, the DOE says you can move thermostat temps about 4 degrees higher without giving up comfort. That’s due to the fact they cool with a windchill effect. As they cool people, not rooms, switch them off when you exit a room.
If 78 degrees still feels too uncomfortable at first glance, try conducting a trial for approximately a week. Begin by increasing your setting to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, progressively decrease it while adhering to the tips above. You could be amazed at how refreshed you feel at a hotter temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no need to keep the AC working all day while your residence is unoccupied. Turning the setting 7¬¬–10 degrees warmer can save you anywhere from 5–15% on your electricity costs, according to the DOE.
When you come home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat under 78 to cool your residence more quickly. This isn’t productive and usually produces a bigger AC bills.
A programmable thermostat is a useful approach to keep your settings controlled, but it requires setting programs. If you don’t set programs, you run the risk of forgetting to raise the set temperature when you leave.
If you’re looking for a convenient fix, consider getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat works with with your phone, so it is aware when you’re at home and when you’re out. Then it instinctively adjusts temperature settings for the best savings. How much exactly? About $180 each year 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 adjust temperature settings from just about anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR advises 82 degrees, that could be unpleasant for many families. Many people sleep better when their sleeping space is chilly, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation advises 60–67 degrees. But that might be too cool, depending on your PJ and blanket preference.
We advise running a comparable test over a week, moving your thermostat higher and steadily decreasing it to pick the best temp for your house. On mild nights, you could find keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a preferable option than operating the air conditioner.
More Ways to Use Less Energy During Hot Weather
There are added ways you can conserve money on AC bills throughout hot weather.
- Install an energy-efficient AC system. Central air conditioners only work for about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they age. An updated air conditioner can keep your residence cooler while keeping energy
expenses low. - Set regular AC service. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit operating smoothly and could help it run at better efficiency. It could also help lengthen its life expectancy, since it enables professionals to pinpoint little troubles before they cause an expensive meltdown.
- Switch air filters regularly. Use manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A dusty filter can cause your system to short cycle, or switch on and off too often, and drive up your energy
bills. - Inspect attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of residences in the United States don’t have proper insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Many southern climates need 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates require 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork examined. Ductwork that has loosened over time can let cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can result in big comfort troubles in your house, like hot and cold spots.
- Seal openings, doors and windows. Keep hot air in its place by closing holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more conditioned air inside.
Conserve More Energy During Warm Weather with Heartland Heating & Cooling
If you want to conserve more energy during warm weather, our Heartland Heating & Cooling experts can help. Reach us at 515-344-3579 or contact us online for extra info about our energy-conserving cooling products.