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.
It starts with your thermostat. By learning more about its special features and settings, you can tailor the temperature to your needs. This means establishing various 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. Take a look at a few 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. That’s why it’s best to set your thermostat lower in the summer if you're indoors to appreciate the cool air.
But the most energy-efficient temperatures for the summer is actually around 78 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. With this adjustment, you can stay cool while still lowering your monthly energy bill.
While Gone
When setting the temperature for whenever you're gone, it’s advantageous to set the thermostat higher for while they're gone.
If your home is located somewhere a little cooler, you can set the temperature as high as 88 degrees while no one is home before you adjust 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 keep an empty house cool.
While Sleeping
For a full night's rest during summer weather, 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 at some point overnight.
Other Strategies for Lowering Energy Use:
- Install a smart thermostat: Switching to a smart thermostat in the summer is an excellent way to reduce 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, before allowing it to get a little warmer when the house is empty. 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. Planning smart thermostat installation in your the Bay Area home can be the simplest strategy for maintaining comfortable, yet energy-efficient temperatures no matter where you are.
- Replace current equipment with a newer HVAC system: Upgrading your HVAC system is another great option for long-term energy savings. If a system boasts high energy efficiency, you can also count on lower utility bills since more efficient equipment requires less energy to reach your preferred temperatures. Air conditioning installation in the Bay Area is a breeze for experienced professionals.
- Stay on top of routine AC maintenance: Whether or not you keep up with regular air conditioning maintenance in the Bay Area 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 perform better during day-to-day use.. Increasing efficiency also limits strain on key parts and lowers operational costs, resulting in lower energy usage and subsequently, smaller bills.
- 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 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 cause breakdowns.
- Check your attic insulation: 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) offers an official recommendation stating homeowners in southern states should have 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 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 address both concerns.
- Seal all other leaky spots in your home: Sealing up other leaks in your home with caulk, foam sealant or weather-stripping can help keep it 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 over time.