You shouldn’t need to give up comfort or drain your wallet to keep your home at a refreshing temperature during muggy weather.
But what is the best setting, exactly? We discuss suggestions from energy experts so you can find the best temp for your home.
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 using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a major difference between your inside and outside temperatures, your electrical costs will be higher.
These are our suggestions based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
While at home: 78 degrees. While that appears warm, there are approaches you can keep your residence pleasant without having the AC running frequently.
Keeping windows and curtains closed during the day keeps chilled air where it needs to be—within your home. Some window solutions, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to provide more insulation and improved energy conservation.
If you have ceiling fans in your residence, the DOE says you can raise thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees warmer without sacrificing comfort. That’s due to the fact they cool by a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not rooms, switch them off when you leave a room.
If 78 degrees still appears too uncomfortable on the surface, try conducting a test for about a week. Get started by increasing your setting to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, gradually lower it while following the ideas above. You could be shocked at how refreshed you feel at a warmer temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no need to keep the air conditioning on all day while your house is unoccupied. Turning the temp 7–10 degrees warmer can save you an estimated 5–15% on your electrical costs, according to the DOE.
When you arrive home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your home faster. This isn’t effective and usually results in a more expensive electricity expense.
A programmable thermostat is a useful approach to keep your temperature under control, but you have to set programs. If you don’t set programs, you run the risk of forgetting to increase the set temperature when you go.
If you need a hassle-free remedy, consider getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it knows when you’re at home and when you’re out. Then it instinctively modifies temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? About $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another perk of using a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to monitor and change temperature settings from nearly anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR recommends 82 degrees, that might be unbearable for most families. The majority of people sleep better when their sleeping area is cold, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation advises 60–67 degrees. But that could be too cool, based on your pajama and blanket preference.
We advise using an equivalent test over a week, setting your temp higher and slowly decreasing it to pick the right temperature for your residence. On cool nights, you might discover keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a better option than operating the air conditioner.
More Approaches to Use Less Energy During Hot Weather
There are other approaches you can spend less money on utility bills throughout warm weather.
- Upgrade to an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only are effective for about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they become older. A new air conditioner can keep your residence comfier while keeping electricity costs low.
- Book yearly air conditioner service. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment operating properly and may help it run at greater efficiency. It might also help lengthen its life cycle, since it helps professionals to uncover small problems before they cause a major meltdown.
- Put in new air filters frequently. Use manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A dirty filter can lead to your system short cycling, or switch on and off too much, and increase your electrical.
- Measure attic insulation levels. Just about 90% of residences in the USA don’t have adequate insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Most southern climates need 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 create huge comfort issues in your home, including hot and cold spots.
- Seal openings, doors and windows. Keep warm air where it should be by sealing cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more conditioned air within your home.
Save More Energy During Hot Weather with Kohles & Bach Heating & Cooling
If you want to conserve more energy this summer, our Kohles & Bach Heating & Cooling specialists can provide assistance. Reach us at 515-278-2900 or contact us online for extra details about our energy-saving cooling options.