Iowa: Hot, humid weather is on its way, and if you’re thinking of cranking your A/C way down to 60 degrees, you may want to think twice.
The U.S. Department of Energy recommends keeping indoor temperatures comfortable, at a level that provides humidity control, while keeping the difference between indoor and outdoor temperatures low to save money.
You can save up to 10% a year on heating and cooling by adjusting your thermostat 7 to 10 degrees for eight hours a day — raising it in summer and lowering it in winter.
Extreme heat heading to Iowa: How hot will it get?
While the hottest temperatures seem to be setting up east of Iowa, the state will see extreme temperatures.
Sunday, June 28 and Monday, June 29 will feature daytime highs in the upper 90s and heat index ratings above 100 degrees, according to the National Weather Service. Des Moines is forecast to be the hottest in the state, with a heat index reaching 107 degrees on Sunday.
Hot and humid weather is expected to last through the Fourth of July weekend, the weather service said.
What temperature should you set your thermostat to in the summer?
Though the ideal temperature may vary depending on where one lives, 78 degrees Fahrenheit is the recommended average, according to several energy companies, including MidAmerican Energy in Iowa, Chicago’s Constellation, New York and Massachusetts’ National Grid and Florida’s Carrier.
When you’re asleep, you can turn your thermostat down for comfort, but make sure to turn it up again when you wake up and leave the house.
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Use fans smarter, not more than necessary
Ceiling fans should be turned off in a room not in use. Fans cool people, not rooms by creating a wind chill effect, the DOE advises. And when taking a shower or bath, use the bathroom fan to remove heat and humidity.
Schedule regular maintenance
The DOE also encourages homeowners to schedule regular maintenance to ensure cooling systems and appliances are working efficiently.
Before calling a professional, there are some do-it-yourself maintenance tasks homeowners can knock out:
Other tips for saving money on summer cooling bills
Here are some more tips for how to save money on an AC bill this summer:
Lucia Cheng is a service and trending reporter at the Des Moines Register. Contact her at lcheng@gannett.com or 515-284-8132.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: A heat wave is coming for Iowa. These tips could lower your A/C costs.
Reporting by Lucia Cheng and Greta Cross, Des Moines Register / Des Moines Register
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Lucia Cheng and Greta Cross, Des Moines Register | USA TODAY Network
