It's always nice when we manage to save money on our utility bills, but it turns out 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 tailor the temperature to your needs. You can create a number of automated temperature settings for when you’re at home, away or even when you’re asleep.
With a few simple adjustments, you have more time to enjoy pleasant temperatures while also keeping more of your money. Here are some ways your thermostat can save you money in the summer:
While at Home
Pretty much whenever you're home, you want comfortable temperatures. For the most part, you probably have 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 in fact anywhere between 78 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. With this adjustment, you'll keep cool while still keeping your energy bills low.
While Away
If you're setting the temperature for when you are out of the house in summer, it's extremely common to move the thermostat higher for while they're gone.
If your home is located somewhere a little cooler, 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 when you or a family member return. This way, your air conditioning won't have to work constantly to cool an empty house.
While Sleeping
When it comes to sleeping in the summer, you want your thermostat set at a comfortable temperature. You should try and keep things between 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit. You won't have to worry about getting too hot or too cold while you're trying to sleep.
Other Ways to Use Less Energy:
- Install a smart thermostat: Using a smart thermostat in the summer helps save money on energy costs since it can plan your temperature adjustments according to your lifestyle and home environment. It'll take care of making changes while you are home or sleeping, before allowing it to get a little warmer when the house is empty. 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 Bishop home can be the simplest strategy for maintaining comfortable, yet energy-efficient temperatures even when you aren’t home.
- Update your existing HVAC system: A new HVAC system saves money right from the start. With greater energy efficiency, lower utility bills won't be far behind since it requires less energy to reach your preferred temperatures. Air conditioning installation in Bishop is a breeze for experienced professionals.
- Stay on top of routine AC maintenance: Hiring a skilled professional to perform regular air conditioning maintenance in Bishop can have a serious effect on your total monthly energy use. If you stay on top of cleaning key components like the coils, checking for damage and clearing air vents of dust and debris, you may notice your HVAC system perform better during day-to-day use.. Higher energy efficiency will also reduce strain on key parts 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 old and less effective, air conditioners have to work harder, and the added strain may impact the system’s life span and cause breakdowns.
- Check your attic insulation: Insulation is a vital part of maintaining an energy-efficient home, securing the hot air outside and the cool air inside over the summer. The North American Insulation Manufacturers Association (NAIMA) offers an official recommendation stating homeowners in southern states should possess at least 13-14 inches of insulation, while states further north need 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 fix both of those problems.
- Seal all other leaky spots in your home: Finding and sealing any remaining leaks in your home with caulk, foam sealant or weather-stripping helps keep things cooler during those 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 over time.