You shouldn’t be forced to compromise on comfort or drain your wallet to keep your residence at the right setting during hot days.

But what is the ideal setting, exactly? We go over suggestions from energy experts so you can select the best setting 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 households find placing the thermostat at 72-73 degrees provides ideal comfort. However, if there’s a sizeable difference between your interior and outside temps, your electrical bills will be larger.

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 methods you can keep your residence refreshing without having the AC on frequently.

Keeping windows and curtains down during the day keeps cool air where it should be—indoors. Some window treatments, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to offer more insulation and improved energy savings.

If you have ceiling fans in your residence, the DOE says you can increase thermostat temps about 4 degrees warmer without giving up comfort. That’s because they refresh with a windchill effect. As they cool people, not spaces, shut them off when you move from a room.

If 78 degrees still seems too uncomfortable on the surface, try running a test for about a week. Start by upping your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, gradually lower it while following the ideas above. You may be astonished at how cool you feel at a higher temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the air conditioner going all day while your home is unoccupied. Moving the temp 7–10 degrees warmer can save you as much as 5–15% on your cooling bills, according to the DOE.

When you come home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your home faster. This isn’t useful and typically produces a more expensive electrical expense.

A programmable thermostat is a helpful approach to keep your temperature under control, but it requires setting programs. If you don’t use programs, you might forget to change the set temperature when you go.

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

Another advantage of installing a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to keep an eye on and regulate temperature settings from just about anywhere.

While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR suggests 82 degrees, that could be unbearable for the majority of families. Many people sleep better when their sleeping space is chilly, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation recommends 65–68 degrees. But that could be too cold, depending on your clothing and blanket preference.

We advise using an equivalent test over a week, moving your temperature higher and progressively turning it down to choose the ideal temperature for your residence. On mild nights, you could learn keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a preferable idea than using the air conditioner.

More Ways to Conserve Energy During Hot Weather

There are other methods you can conserve money on utility bills throughout the summer.

  1. Upgrade to an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and become less efficient as they get older. A new air conditioner can keep your home cooler while keeping electrical bills low.
  2. Set annual air conditioner service. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit working like it should and might help it run at better efficiency. It could also help extend its life cycle, since it helps techs to discover seemingly insignificant troubles before they cause a major meltdown.
  3. Replace air filters frequently. Read manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A clogged filter can result in your system short cycling, or switch on and off too much, and increase your electricity.
  4. Inspect attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of residences in the U.S. don’t have adequate insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. The majority of southern climates should have 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates should have 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork inspected. Ductwork that has separated over time can let cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can result in major comfort issues in your residence, including hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal openings, doors and windows. Keep hot air where it belongs by plugging openings. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more cold air within your home.

Use Less Energy During Hot Weather with Kohles & Bach Heating & Cooling

If you want to conserve more energy during warm weather, our Kohles & Bach Heating & Cooling experts can assist you. Give us a call at 515-278-2900 or contact us online for additional details about our energy-saving cooling solutions.