Everyone’s always looking to save money on their utility bills, but it just so happens 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 help the thermostat plan for your preferred temperatures. 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 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
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 while you are in the house to appreciate the cool air.
But in terms of energy efficiency, the best range for the summer is usually between 78 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. With this adjustment, you'll keep cool while still keeping your energy bills low.
While Away
When setting the temperature for when you are out of the house in summer, the majority of homeowners will set the thermostat higher for while they're gone.
Depending on the local climate or your home's location, you can set the thermostat to temperatures as high as 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 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 a nice cool temperature. You should try and keep things between 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit. There's less risk of getting too hot or too cold while you're trying to sleep.
Other Ways to Use Less Energy:
- Smart thermostat installation: Trying a smart thermostat in the summer helps save money on energy costs as it forms temperature schedules according to your lifestyle and personal preferences. They can lower the temperature while you are home or sleeping, before allowing it to get a little warmer when the house is empty. With reliable brands like the Lennox iComfort, you can adjust the temperature remotely through your smartphone, tablet or laptop. Requesting smart thermostat installation in your Zelienople home is an effortless way to set the correct temperature no matter where you are.
- Upgrade your HVAC system: A new HVAC system is another great option for long-term energy savings. By investing in a more energy-efficient system, your utility bills will be lower because it requires less energy to reach your preferred temperatures. Air conditioning installation in Zelienople is a great way to beat the heat in the summer.
- Stay on top of routine AC maintenance: Whether or not you keep up with regular air conditioning maintenance in Zelienople 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, this can help your HVAC system run more efficiently. Increasing efficiency also limits strain on important or delicate components and lowers operational costs, lowering total energy use and eventually the total monthly bill.
- Clean or replace the air filter on a regular basis: Regularly changing the air filters in your HVAC system saves money by keeping airflow as smooth and consistent as possible. When filters become clogged, an AC unit has to work harder, and the strain can reduce the system’s life span and result in breakdowns.
- Confirm your attic is sufficiently insulated: Insulation is one of the key components in any energy-efficient home, keeping the hot air outside and the cool air inside over the summer. The North American Insulation Manufacturers Association (NAIMA) suggests that homeowners living in southern climates should possess at least 13-14 inches of insulation, while those in northern U.S. states should have 16-18 inches.
- Inspect your air ducts: A leak in the air ducts could increase your energy bills much more than 20 percent, plus it can also lead to problems with 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: Finding and sealing any remaining leaks 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. Devoting time and effort to sealing leaks now can help you save a lot in the long term.