You shouldn’t be forced to give up comfort or spend a lot to keep your house at a refreshing temp during the summer.

But what is the ideal temperature, exactly? We go over advice from energy professionals so you can determine 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 using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees provides ideal comfort. However, if there’s a huge difference between your indoor and outside temperatures, your utility 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 seems too high, there are approaches you can keep your home refreshing without having the air conditioner going all the time.

Keeping windows and blinds closed during the day keeps chilled air where it should be—inside. Some window treatments, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to deliver extra insulation and better energy conservation.

If you have ceiling fans in your home, the DOE says you can increase thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees higher without sacrificing comfort. That’s due to the fact they refresh with a windchill effect. As they cool people, not areas, shut them off when you exit a room.

If 78 degrees still seems too warm on the surface, try conducting a trial for about a week. Start by increasing your setting to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, steadily lower it while adhering to the suggestions above. You might be amazed at how cool you feel at a higher temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no need to keep the air conditioning going all day while your residence is empty. Moving the temp 7–10 degrees hotter can save you as much as 5–15% on your cooling costs, according to the DOE.

When you get home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat below 78 to cool your home more quickly. This isn’t effective and usually produces a higher electrical cost.

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

If you need a convenient remedy, think about buying a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it knows when you’re at home and when you’re away. Then it automatically changes temperature settings for the best 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 adjust temperature settings from almost anywhere.

While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR suggests 82 degrees, that might be unbearable for the majority of families. Most people sleep better when their bedroom is chilly, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation advises 60–67 degrees. But that might be too cold, due to your PJ and blanket preference.

We suggest following an equivalent test over a week, moving your thermostat higher and gradually lowering it to locate the ideal temp for your house. On cool nights, you may learn keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a superior solution than operating the AC.

More Ways to Use Less Energy During Warm Weather

There are added approaches you can conserve money on cooling bills throughout hot weather.

  1. Get an energy-efficient AC system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they become older. A new air conditioner can keep your residence comfier while keeping cooling costs small.
  2. Book regular air conditioner tune-ups. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your system working smoothly and may help it operate at greater efficiency. It can also help lengthen its life span, since it enables technicians to find little issues before they create a major meltdown.
  3. Switch air filters often. Use manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A clogged filter can lead to your system short cycling, or switch on and off too frequently, and raise your electrical.
  4. Inspect attic insulation levels. Just about 90% of houses in the USA don’t have adequate insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. The majority of southern climates require 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates need 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork examined. Ductwork that has come apart over time can let conditioned air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can result in big comfort issues in your residence, including hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep hot air where it should be by sealing openings. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more conditioned air indoors.

Conserve More Energy During Hot Weather with Kohles & Bach Heating & Cooling

If you need to save more energy this summer, our Kohles & Bach Heating & Cooling specialists can provide assistance. Reach us at 515-207-6569 or contact us online for additional info about our energy-saving cooling options.