You shouldn’t be forced to give up comfort or spend a lot to keep your house at the right temp during summer weather.
But what is the best temperature, exactly? We discuss suggestions from energy professionals so you can choose the best temperature for your loved ones.
Here’s what we recommend 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 outside warmth, your electricity expenses will be greater.
These are our suggestions based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
While at home: 78 degrees. While that sounds too high, there are approaches you can keep your residence refreshing without having the AC running constantly.
Keeping windows and blinds down during the day keeps cool air where it needs to be—inside. Some window treatments, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to provide added insulation and improved energy conservation.
If you have ceiling fans in your residence, the DOE says you can raise thermostat settings about 4 degrees higher without sacrificing comfort. That’s due to the fact they refresh through a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not spaces, shut them off when you exit a room.
If 78 degrees still feels too uncomfortable at first glance, try conducting a trial for a week or so. Get started by upping your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, gradually lower it while following the ideas above. You may be surprised at how cool you feel at a warmer temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no need to keep the air conditioner running all day while your home is unoccupied. Turning the setting 7–10 degrees warmer can save you as much as 5–15% on your electricity expenses, according to the DOE.
When you come home, don’t be tempted to set your thermostat below 78 to cool your home faster. This isn’t useful and often results in a more expensive cooling expense.
A programmable thermostat is a helpful way to keep your settings under control, but it requires setting programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you might forget to raise the set temperature when you take off.
If you’re looking for a handy fix, consider buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at your residence and when you’re gone. Then it intuitively changes temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? An estimated $180 annually on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another perk of getting a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to watch and regulate temperature settings from nearly anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR advises 82 degrees, that could be unpleasant for the majority of families. The majority of people sleep better when their sleeping space is chilled, 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 suggest using a comparable test over a week, setting your thermostat higher and progressively lowering it to determine the best temp for your residence. On mild nights, you could find keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a superior idea than operating the air conditioning.
More Methods to Conserve Energy This Summer
There are added ways you can conserve money on utility bills throughout warm weather.
- Upgrade to an energy-efficient AC system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they get older. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your residence cooler while keeping utility costs small.
- Book yearly air conditioner service. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your system operating like it should and might help it run at greater efficiency. It may also help extend its life expectancy, since it enables techs to discover seemingly insignificant issues before they create a major meltdown.
- Switch air filters often. Read manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A dusty filter can result in your system short cycling, or run too frequently, and raise your utility.
- Inspect attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of residences in the U.S. don’t have proper insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Many southern climates require 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates should have 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork examined. Ductwork that has loosened over time can leak cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can result in big comfort issues in your residence, like hot and cold spots.
- Seal openings, doors and windows. Keep humid air where it belongs by sealing cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more cold air within your home.
Conserve More Energy This Summer with Heartland Heating & Cooling
If you need to use less energy during warm weather, our Heartland Heating & Cooling professionals can assist you. Get in touch with us at 515-344-3579 or contact us online for more details about our energy-saving cooling solutions.