You shouldn’t be forced to sacrifice comfort or spend a lot to keep your house at the right temperature during the summer.
But what is the right setting, exactly? We discuss suggestions from energy specialists so you can choose the best temperature for your residence.
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 setting the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a major difference between your interior and exterior warmth, your utility expenses 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 approaches you can keep your residence pleasant without having the AC running all the time.
Keeping windows and blinds down during the day keeps cool air where it needs to be—indoors. Some window treatments, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to offer more insulation and improved energy conservation.
If you have ceiling fans in your home, the DOE says you can increase thermostat temps about 4 degrees warmer without giving up comfort. That’s since they cool by a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not spaces, switch them off when you exit a room.
If 78 degrees still seems too hot at first glance, try conducting a test for a week or so. Get started by increasing your setting to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, gradually turn it down while adhering to the advice above. You may be shocked at how comfortable you feel at a higher temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the air conditioner on all day while your house is unoccupied. Switching the setting 7–10 degrees warmer can save you an estimated 5–15% on your electricity bills, according to the DOE.
When you arrive home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat below 78 to cool your house more quickly. This isn’t productive and typically results in a more expensive electricity expense.
A programmable thermostat is a useful method to keep your temperature under control, but you need to set programs. If you don’t set programs, you might forget to move the set temperature when you go.
If you want a hassle-free resolution, think about getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at home and when you’re gone. Then it intuitively modifies temperature settings for the best savings. How much exactly? About $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another plus of installing a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to monitor and regulate temperature settings from nearly anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR advises 82 degrees, that might be too uncomfortable for most families. Many people sleep better when their bedroom is chilled, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation suggests 60–67 degrees. But that may be too cold, depending on your clothing and blanket preference.
We recommend trying an equivalent test over a week, putting your temp higher and steadily lowering it to determine the best temp for your residence. On cool nights, you could find keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a preferable idea than using the AC.
More Methods to Save Energy During Warm Weather
There are added approaches you can save money on AC bills throughout hot weather.
- Install an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only are effective for about 12–15 years and become less efficient as they age. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your house comfier while keeping electrical costs small.
- Schedule annual air conditioner tune-ups. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit working properly and may help it work at greater efficiency. It could also help extend its life span, since it enables techs to find small issues before they cause a major meltdown.
- Replace air filters frequently. Use manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A dirty filter can cause your system to short cycle, or run too often, and increase your electricity.
- Inspect attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of residences in the U.S. don’t have adequate insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Many southern climates should have 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates need 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork examined. Ductwork that has loosened over time can seep cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can result in big comfort troubles in your home, like hot and cold spots.
- Seal openings, doors and windows. Keep hot air where it belongs by plugging openings. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to keep more cold air indoors.
Save More Energy During Hot Weather with Web Connect Child
If you want to save more energy this summer, our Web Connect Child pros can assist you. Get in touch with us at 123-456-7890 or contact us online for more details about our energy-saving cooling products.
