Setting Your Thermostat to Save Money in Summer

Everyone’s always looking to save money on their utility bills, but it turns out there’s a way to keep costs down, even when you’re out of the house.

The key 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.

With a few simple adjustments, you have more time to enjoy pleasant temperatures while keeping more money in your pocket. Here are some ways your thermostat can be a source of energy savings:

While at Home

Pretty much whenever you’re home, you want a nice range of pleasant temperatures. It’s only natural to want your thermostat lower in the summer while you are in the house to appreciate 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 keeping your energy bill more manageable.

While Out of the House

If you’re setting the temperature for a vacation or other trip away from the house, the majority of homeowners will set the thermostat higher than normal.

For some homes, you can set the thermostat to higher temperatures like 88 degrees while no one is home before lowering it back to the sweet spot of 78-80 degrees once you’re home again. This way, your air conditioning won’t have to work constantly to provide cooling for a bunch of empty rooms.

While Asleep

When it comes to sleeping in the summer, you want a nice cool temperature. A good rule of thumb is between 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit. There’s less risk of getting too hot or too cold when you are trying to get some rest.

Additional Ways to Reduce Energy Use:

• Install a smart thermostat: Trying a smart thermostat in the summer can lower energy costs as it forms temperature schedules according to your lifestyle and idea of what comfortable is. A smart thermostat manages the temperature if 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 Bishop home is an effortless way to set the correct temperature even when you aren’t home.
• Update your existing HVAC system: A new HVAC system can save money in the long run. With greater energy efficiency, lower utility bills won’t be far behind since it requires less energy to heat and cool your home. Air conditioning installation in Bishop is a great way to beat the heat in the summer.
• Stay on top of routine AC maintenance: Investing in or ignoring regular air conditioning maintenance in Bishop can have a serious effect on your total 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 the unit and lowers operational costs, resulting in lower energy usage and subsequently, smaller bills.
• Replace your air filter regularly: A regular schedule for cleaning or replacing the HVAC system’s air filter saves money by improving airflow. When filters are old and less effective, your air conditioner will have to work harder, and the added strain may impact the system’s life span and result in breakdowns.
• Check if you have enough insulation in the attic: Insulation is a vital part of maintaining an energy-efficient home, keeping the hot air outside and the cool air inside during the 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 states further north need 16-18 inches.
• Check your ventilation: 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 throughout your home. Finding any leaks fast 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 term.