When the weather starts to change in the Hinsdale area, it is important to set your thermostat just right. You’ll want your home to feel nice and cool, but you also don’t want to spend a lot of money on your energy bills. Below, this air conditioning contractor in Hinsdale, Illinois is going to share some tips on how you can keep your home comfortable without overspending.

Figure out what temperature feels the best for you at home.

The U.S. Department of Energy suggests setting your thermostat to 78°F when you are home and awake during the summer. This temperature helps you stay cool and comfortable while also saving energy.

Depending on your preferences, 78°F can feel a little warm on hot days. However, if you turn the thermostat down much lower, your air conditioner will be forced to work much harder, which can increase your energy bills. In places where it gets very humid in the summer, keeping the thermostat around 78°F might just be the sweet spot for staying comfortable and keeping costs under control.

Adjust the settings when you are away.

When you are away from your home for a while, like when you are at work or running errands, it’s wise to turn your thermostat up a few degrees. This simple adjustment can help you save up to 10% on your cooling costs during the warmer months.

If no one is home, there is no need to keep the house cool. By raising the temperature when you are away, your AC does not have to work as hard, which saves energy and lowers your bills. And when you come back, it will not take long for your house to cool down again.

Most reputable airconditioning contractors in Hinsdale, Illinois recommend using a programmable or smart thermostat. These devices can automatically adjust the temperature based on your schedule, so you don’t have to remember to do it yourself. Your home will always be nice and comfortable when you are there, and you will save money when you are not.

Don’t forget about nighttime settings.

At night, your body’s temperature naturally drops, so you don’t need the air conditioner to be as cold as it is during the day. Many homeowners prefer to set the temperature somewhere in the low 70°F range when sleeping. If you are still worried about the room being too hot at night, you can use a fan in your room. Fans don’t make the room colder, but they do create a wind-chill effect that can make you feel cooler. 

Humidity can be a real challenge during the summer.

Even if your thermostat is set to a comfortable temperature, high humidity levels can make your rooms feel much hotter. This is where your AC can help because it naturally dehumidifies the air when it cools your home. But if your air conditioner is too big for your room, it might not run long enough to remove all the humidity, making your home feel sticky and uncomfortable.

It’s best to try to keep the humidity level in your home below 60% and between 30% and 50% ideally. If your air conditioner is not doing a great job here, you might want to get a dehumidifier. Keeping the humidity low can also help prevent problems like mold growing in your home.

Install a programmable thermostat.

We can’t stress enough how good an investment a programmable thermostat can be. It takes the guesswork out of managing your home’s temperature and can help you enjoy big savings on your energy bills. You can set it to cool your house before you get home, so it is always nice and comfortable when you walk in. Plus, most air conditioning contractors in Hinsdale, Illinois offer thermostats that let you control the temperature using your smartphone.

Looking for an Air Conditioning Contractor in Hinsdale, Illinois?

Do you want to keep your home cool and comfortable while also keeping your energy costs under control? If so, and if you are looking for an air conditioning contractor in Hinsdale, Illinois that can help you optimize your comfort, Hearthstone Heating & Air Conditioning is the top choice. Contact us at (630) 435-9800 to get in touch with our team.