Setting Your Thermostat to Save Money in Summer

We all like saving money on our monthly utility bills, but you should know there’s a way to keep costs down, even when you’re out of the house.

The key is your thermostat. By making the most out of your thermostat, 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.

With a few simple adjustments, you have more time to enjoy pleasant temperatures while keeping more money in your pocket. 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 to enjoy a comfortable temperature. That’s why it’s best to set your thermostat lower in the summer while inside to make the most of the cool air.

But the ideal temperature for when you’re in your home during the summer is in fact anywhere between 78 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. This way, you’ll avoid the worst of summer while still keeping your energy bills low.

While Out of the House

When setting the temperature for a vacation or other trip away from the house, it’s extremely common to move the thermostat higher than you would if you were in the house.

For some homes, you can set the thermostat to higher temperatures like 88 degrees while no one is home before lowering it back to the sweet spot of 78-80 degrees after you return. This way, your air conditioning system isn’t working around the clock to provide cooling for a bunch of empty rooms.

While Asleep

For a full night’s rest during summer weather, 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 Ways to Use Less Energy:

• Smart thermostat installation: Switching to a smart thermostat in the summer is an excellent way to reduce energy costs since it can plan your temperature adjustments according to your lifestyle and home environment. It’ll take care of making changes while you are home or sleeping, while allowing it to get a little warmer when the house is empty. Using reputed brands and models such as the Lennox iComfort, you can adjust the temperature remotely through your smartphone, tablet or laptop. Planning smart thermostat installation in your Haines City home is an effortless way to set the correct temperature no matter where you are.
• Replace current equipment with a newer HVAC system: A new HVAC system can save money in the long run. With greater energy efficiency, you can also count on lower utility bills since more efficient equipment requires less energy to heat and cool your home. Air conditioning installation in Haines City 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 Haines City can have a serious effect on your total monthly energy use. With regular cleaning of the coils, checking for damage and keeping vents clear of dust and debris, you may notice 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.
• Replace your air filter regularly: A regular schedule for cleaning or replacing the HVAC system’s air filter saves money by keeping airflow as smooth and consistent as possible. When filters are clogged with dirt and debris, air conditioners 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 one of the key components in any energy-efficient home, securing the hot air outside and the cool air inside through 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.
• Review your ventilation: Leaky ductwork can raise 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 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 term.