It's always nice when we manage to save money on our utility bills, but you should know there’s a way to do it when you aren’t even home.
It starts with your thermostat. By learning more about its special features and settings, you can structure its daily schedule around your personal preferences. This means establishing various temperature settings for when you’re home, away or even when you’re asleep.
With a few simple adjustments, you can enjoy comfy temperatures while keeping more money in your pocket. Here are some ways your thermostat doesn't have to use up all your summer spending money:
While at Home
Pretty much whenever you're home, you want to enjoy a comfortable temperature. It's only natural to want your thermostat lower in the summer while you are in the house to make the most of the cool air.
But the most energy-efficient temperatures for the summer is actually around 78 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. By adjusting things a few degrees, you'll keep cool while still lowering your monthly energy bill.
While Away
When setting the temperature for when you are out of the house in summer, it's extremely common to move the thermostat higher than normal.
If your home is in a shady spot in a cooler climate, you can set the temperature as high as 88 degrees while no one is home before lowering it back to the sweet spot of 78-80 degrees after you return. This way, your air conditioning system isn't working around the clock to cool an empty house.
While Sleeping
To enjoy a good night's sleep during the summer, you want your thermostat set at a comfortable temperature. A good rule of thumb is between 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit. You won't have to worry about getting too hot or too cold while you're trying to sleep.
Additional Ways to Reduce Energy Use:
- Install a smart thermostat: Switching to a smart thermostat in the summer helps save money on energy costs since it can plan your temperature adjustments according to your lifestyle and idea of what comfortable is. They can lower the temperature while you are home or sleeping, while allowing it to warm up when no one is around. With reliable brands like the Lennox iComfort, you are able to adjust settings and schedules through your smartphone, tablet or laptop. Requesting smart thermostat installation in your Litchfield Park home is an effortless way to set the correct temperature whether you're at home or across the country.
- Upgrade your HVAC system: A new HVAC system saves money right from the start. With greater energy efficiency, you can also count on lower utility bills since more efficient equipment requires less energy to reach your preferred temperatures. Air conditioning installation in Litchfield Park is a breeze for experienced professionals.
- Stay on top of routine AC maintenance: Investing in or ignoring regular air conditioning maintenance in Litchfield Park can have a significant impact on your utility bills. With regular cleaning of the coils, checking for damage and keeping vents clear of dust and debris, you may notice your HVAC system run more efficiently. More efficient operation reduces strain on the unit and lowers operational costs, resulting in lower energy usage and subsequently, smaller bills.
- Clean or replace the air filter on a regular basis: Cleaning or replacing the air filter regularly saves money by keeping airflow as smooth and consistent as possible. When filters are clogged with dirt and debris, air conditioners have to work harder, and the added strain may impact the system’s life span and cause breakdowns.
- Check if you have enough insulation in the attic: Insulation is one of the key components in any energy-efficient home, securing the hot air outside and the cool air inside through summer. The North American Insulation Manufacturers Association (NAIMA) recommends that homes in the southern United States should have at least 13-14 inches of insulation, while those in northern U.S. states should have 16-18 inches.
- Review your ventilation: Leaky ductwork can raise your energy bills much more than 20 percent, plus it can potentially allow harmful emissions from your water heater, clothes dryer and other appliances throughout your home. Watching for signs of leaks and sealing them can fix both of those problems.
- Seal all other leaky spots in your home: Sealing leaky spots in your home with caulk, foam sealant or weather-stripping can help keep it cooler on hot summer days. Don't forget to check for any gaps around windows, doors and even outdoor fixtures. Making time to seal leaks now can help you save a lot in the long run.