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 using automatic schedules, 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.
If you're willing to make these adjustments, you'll be able to enjoy comfortable temperatures while cutting down your energy bills. Here are some ways your thermostat can save you money in the summer:
While at Home
Pretty much whenever you're home, you want a nice range of pleasant temperatures. For the most part, you probably have your thermostat lower in the summer while inside to appreciate the cool air.
But the most energy-efficient temperatures for when you're in your home during the summer is in fact anywhere between 78 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. By adjusting things a few degrees, you'll keep cool while keeping your energy bill more manageable.
While Gone
When setting the temperature for whenever you're gone, it’s advantageous to set the thermostat higher than normal.
For some homes, you can set the thermostat to temperatures as high as 88 degrees while no one is home and then lower 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
For a full night's rest during summer weather, you want a temperature that's nice and cool. A good rule of thumb is between 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit. This will keep you from getting too hot or too cold while you're trying to sleep.
Other Ways to Use Less Energy:
- Smart thermostat installation: Using a smart thermostat in the summer can lower energy costs since it can plan your temperature adjustments according to your lifestyle and home environment. A smart thermostat manages the temperature if you are home or sleeping, while allowing it to get a little warmer when no one is home. Using reputed brands and models such as the Lennox iComfort, you have the ability to remotely access and change the temperature through your smartphone, tablet or laptop. Requesting smart thermostat installation in your Sarasota home is an effortless way to set the correct temperature whether you're at home or across the country.
- Update your existing HVAC system: A high-efficiency HVAC system is another great option for long-term energy savings. With greater energy efficiency, your utility bills will be lower because it requires less energy to achieve comfortable temperatures. Air conditioning installation in Sarasota is a breeze for experienced professionals like Airtech Cooling & Heating.
- Keep up with AC maintenance: Hiring a skilled professional to perform regular air conditioning maintenance in Sarasota can have a serious effect on your total monthly energy use. By regularly cleaning the coils, checking for damage and clearing ventilation of dust and debris, you may notice your HVAC system run more efficiently. Increasing efficiency also limits strain on key parts and lowers operational costs, leading to lower energy usage, which translates into lower energy bills.
- Replace your air filter regularly: Cleaning or replacing the air filter regularly saves money by improving airflow. When filters become clogged, your air conditioner will have to work harder, and the added strain may impact the system’s life span and lead to breakdowns.
- Check your attic insulation: Insulation is one of the key components in any energy-efficient home, securing the hot air outside and the cool air inside over the 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 states further north need 16-18 inches.
- Inspect your ventilation: A leak in the air ducts could increase 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 address both concerns.
- Seal all other leaky spots in your home: Sealing leaky spots in your home with caulk, foam sealant or weather-stripping keeps temperatures a little cooler on hot summer days. It’s also important to check for any gaps around windows, doors and even outdoor fixtures. Devoting time and effort to sealing leaks now can help you save a lot in the long run.