It's always nice when we manage to save money on our utility bills, but you should know there’s a way to lower energy use, even when you're not even home.
The secret is your thermostat. By using automatic schedules, you can help the thermostat plan for your preferred temperatures. That means you can have different temperature settings for when you’re at home, away or even when you’re sleeping.
If you're willing to make these adjustments, you have more time to enjoy pleasant temperatures while cutting down your energy bills. Here are some ways your thermostat doesn't have to use up all your summer spending money:
While at Home
When you’re home, you want comfortable temperatures. That’s why it’s best to set your thermostat lower in the summer if you're indoors to make the most of the cool air.
But the most energy-efficient temperatures for the summer is usually between 78 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. With this adjustment, you can stay cool while keeping your energy bill more manageable.
While Away
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 for while they're gone.
For some homes, you can set the thermostat to temperatures as high as 88 degrees while no one is home before you adjust 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
For a full night's rest during summer weather, you want a temperature that's nice and cool. A great place to start is between 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit. You won't have to worry about 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 is an excellent way to reduce energy costs by automatically adjusting to your lifestyle and home environment. It'll take care of making changes while you are home or sleeping, before allowing it to warm up when no one is home. Using reputed brands and models such as the Lennox iComfort, you can adjust the temperature remotely through your smartphone, tablet or laptop. Scheduling smart thermostat installation in your Auburn and Opelika home can be the simplest strategy for maintaining comfortable, yet energy-efficient temperatures even when you aren’t home.
- Replace current equipment with a newer HVAC system: A high-efficiency HVAC system saves money right from the start. By investing in a more energy-efficient system, lower utility bills won't be far behind since it requires less energy to heat and cool your home. Air conditioning installation in Auburn and Opelika is a great way to beat the heat in the summer.
- Keep up with AC maintenance: Investing in or ignoring regular air conditioning maintenance in Auburn and Opelika can have a big impact on your 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.. Higher energy efficiency will also reduce strain on the unit 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, your air conditioner will have to work harder, and the added strain may impact the system’s life span and cause 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) recommends that homes in the southern United States should possess at least 13-14 inches of insulation, while colder climates do better with 16-18 inches.
- Check your air ducts: 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 to get into the atmosphere of your home. Watching for signs of leaks and sealing them can address both concerns.
- Seal all other leaky spots in your home: Finding and sealing any remaining leaks in your home with caulk, foam sealant or weather-stripping keeps temperatures a little cooler on hot summer days. You should also 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 run.