You shouldn’t be forced to sacrifice comfort or spend a lot to keep your home at a refreshing setting during hot days.
But what is the best temperature, exactly? We review recommendations from energy pros so you can find the best setting for your house.
Here’s what we recommend for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Des Moines.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most families find placing the thermostat at 72-73 degrees provides ideal comfort. However, if there’s a big difference between your indoor and outdoor temperatures, your utility bills will be bigger.
These are our recommendations based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
While at home: 78 degrees. While that appears too high, there are ways you can keep your house cool without having the AC going frequently.
Keeping windows and curtains shut during the day keeps cold air where it needs to be—within your home. Some window coverings, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to deliver added insulation and improved energy savings.
If you have ceiling fans in your house, the DOE says you can move thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees warmer without compromising comfort. That’s since they refresh with a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not spaces, switch them off when you leave a room.
If 78 degrees still feels too warm initially, try conducting a trial for approximately a week. Start by raising your setting to 78 degrees while you’re at your house. Then, steadily decrease it while using the tips 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 on all day while your residence is vacant. Moving the temperature 7–10 degrees higher can save you an estimated 5–15% on your cooling costs, according to the DOE.
When you get home, don’t be tempted to put your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your home more quickly. This isn’t productive and typically produces a higher electrical bill.
A programmable thermostat is a useful method to keep your settings in check, but you have to set programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you might forget to increase the set temperature when you leave.
If you’re looking for a hassle-free solution, consider installing a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it knows when you’re at home and when you’re out. Then it automatically adjusts temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? Usually $180 annually on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another benefit of installing a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to monitor and regulate temperature settings from almost anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR advises 82 degrees, that could be unpleasant for many families. Many people sleep better when their sleeping area is cold, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation recommends 65–68 degrees. But that might be too cold, based on your pajama and blanket preference.
We recommend following a similar test over a week, setting your temperature higher and slowly turning it down to locate the best temperature for your residence. On pleasant nights, you may discover keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a superior idea than using the AC.
More Ways to Use Less Energy This Summer
There are added methods you can conserve money on AC bills throughout warm weather.
- Get an energy-efficient air conditioning system. Central air conditioners only work for about 12–15 years and become less efficient as they become older. A new air conditioner can keep your house more comfortable while keeping AC costs down.
- Book yearly air conditioner tune-ups. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your system operating smoothly and could help it operate at better efficiency. It might also help prolong its life cycle, since it allows professionals to uncover seemingly insignificant troubles before they lead to a major meltdown.
- Replace air filters often. Use manufacturer instructions for replacing your air filter. A clogged filter can result in your system short cycling, or turn on and off too frequently, and increase your electrical.
- Measure attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of houses in the United States 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 need 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork examined. Ductwork that has separated over time can let conditioned air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can result in major comfort troubles in your home, including hot and cold spots.
- Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep warm air in its place by sealing holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more cold air indoors.
Use Less Energy During Warm Weather with Web Connect Child
If you want to conserve more energy during warm weather, our Web Connect Child experts can assist you. Reach us at 123-456-7890 or contact us online for extra details about our energy-saving cooling solutions.
