It's always nice when we manage to save money on our utility bills, but you should know there’s a way to keep costs down, even when you're out of the house.
The secret is your thermostat. By using automatic schedules, you can structure its daily schedule around your personal preferences. That means you can have different temperature settings for when you’re home, away or even when you’re asleep.
By trying a few of these schedules, you'll be able to enjoy comfortable temperatures while keeping more money in your pocket. Here are some ways your thermostat can save you money in the summer:
While at Home
Whenever you're at home, you want a nice range of pleasant temperatures. For the most part, you probably have your thermostat lower in the summer if you're indoors to make the most of the cool air.
But the ideal temperature for when you're in your home during the summer is in fact anywhere between 78 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. This way, you can stay cool while still keeping your energy bills low.
While Away
When setting the temperature for a vacation or other trip away from the house, the majority of homeowners will set the thermostat higher than normal.
If your home is in a shady spot in a cooler climate, you can set the thermostat to temperatures as high as 88 degrees while no one is home before you adjust it back to the sweet spot of 78-80 degrees once you're home again. This way, your air conditioning unit won’t be working overtime to provide cooling for a bunch of empty rooms.
While Asleep
To enjoy a good night's sleep during the summer, you want a temperature that's nice and cool. A great place to start is between 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit. This will keep you from getting too hot or too cold when you are trying to get some rest.
Other Strategies for Lowering Energy Use:
- Install a smart thermostat: Trying a smart thermostat in the summer can lower energy costs by automatically adjusting to your lifestyle and personal preferences. A smart thermostat manages the temperature if you are home or sleeping, while allowing it to warm up when no one is home. With models like the Lennox iComfort, you have the ability to remotely access and change the temperature through your smartphone, tablet or laptop. Scheduling smart thermostat installation in your Laurel home is an effortless way to set the correct temperature no matter where you are.
- Replace current equipment with a newer HVAC system: A high-efficiency HVAC system is another great option for long-term energy savings. By investing in a more energy-efficient system, lower utility bills won't be far behind since it requires less energy to achieve comfortable temperatures. Air conditioning installation in Laurel is a breeze for experienced professionals.
- Stay on top of routine AC maintenance: Investing in or ignoring regular air conditioning maintenance in Laurel can have a big impact on your monthly energy use. With regular cleaning of the coils, checking for damage and clearing air vents of dust and debris, you may notice your HVAC system run more efficiently. More efficient operation reduces strain on key parts and lowers operational costs, resulting in lower energy usage and subsequently, smaller bills.
- Replace your air filter regularly: 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, your air conditioner will have to work harder, and the added strain may impact the system’s life span and lead to breakdowns.
- Confirm your attic is sufficiently insulated: 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) suggests that homeowners living in southern climates should install at least 13-14 inches of insulation, while those in northern U.S. states should have 16-18 inches.
- Inspect your air ducts: Damage to the ventilation is capable of increasing your energy bills much more than 20 percent, plus it can affect equipment such as your water heater, clothes dryer and other appliances to get into the atmosphere of your home. Finding any leaks fast and sealing them can address both concerns.
- Seal all other leaky spots in your home: Sealing leaky spots in your home with caulk, foam sealant or weather-stripping helps keep things cooler during those hot summer days. You should also check for any gaps around windows, doors and even outdoor fixtures. Taking the time to seal up any leaks now can help you save a lot in the long term.