Everyone’s always looking to save money on their utility bills, but you should know there’s a way to do it when you aren’t even home.
The secret is your thermostat. By learning more about its special features and settings, you can help the thermostat plan for your preferred temperatures. That means you can have different temperature settings for when you’re home, away or even when you’re sleeping.
If you're willing to make these adjustments, you'll be able to enjoy comfortable temperatures while also keeping more of your money. Check out our guide on how your thermostat can save you money in the summer:
While at Home
When you’re home, you want comfortable 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 in terms of energy efficiency, the best range for when you're in your home during the summer is actually around 78 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. With this adjustment, you'll keep cool while still keeping your energy bills low.
While Out of the House
If you're setting the temperature for a vacation or other trip away from the house, it’s advantageous to 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 and then lower it back to the sweet spot of 78-80 degrees after you return. This way, your air conditioning unit won’t be working overtime to keep an empty house cool.
While Asleep
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 at some point overnight.
Other Strategies for Lowering Energy Use:
- Install a smart thermostat: Switching to a smart thermostat in the summer can lower energy costs as it forms temperature schedules according to your lifestyle and home environment. They can lower the temperature while you are home or sleeping, while allowing it to warm up when the house is empty. Using reputed brands and models such as the Lennox iComfort, you are able to adjust settings and schedules through your smartphone, tablet or laptop. Planning smart thermostat installation in your Boynton Beach home can be the simplest strategy for maintaining comfortable, yet energy-efficient temperatures no matter where you are.
- Update your existing HVAC system: Upgrading your 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 Boynton Beach is a breeze for experienced professionals.
- Keep up with AC maintenance: Investing in or ignoring regular air conditioning maintenance in Boynton Beach 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, this can help your HVAC system perform better during day-to-day use.. More efficient operation reduces strain on the unit and lowers operational costs, resulting in lower energy usage and subsequently, smaller bills.
- Clean or replace the air filter on a regular basis: A regular schedule for cleaning or replacing the HVAC system's air filter saves money by improving airflow. When filters are clogged with dirt and debris, your air conditioner will have to work harder, and the strain can reduce the system’s life span and lead to breakdowns.
- Verify your attic has enough insulation: Insulation is a crucial component for any energy-efficient home, keeping 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 colder climates do better with 16-18 inches.
- Inspect your ductwork: 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. Checking your ductwork for leaks and sealing them can fix both of those problems.
- Seal all other leaky spots in your home: Sealing up other leaks in your home with caulk, foam sealant or weather-stripping keeps temperatures a little 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 over time.