It's always nice when we manage to save money on our utility bills, but it just so happens there’s a way to lower energy use, even when you're not even home.
The key is your thermostat. By learning more about its special features and settings, you can tailor the temperature to your needs. That means you can have different 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 can be a source of energy savings:
While at Home
When you’re home, you want to enjoy a comfortable temperature. It's only natural to want your thermostat lower in the summer while you are in the house to make the most of the cool air.
But the ideal temperature 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 Gone
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 temperature 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 system isn't working around the clock to provide cooling for a bunch of empty rooms.
While Asleep
To enjoy a good night's sleep during the summer, you want a nice cool temperature. A great place to start is between 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit. There's less risk of getting too hot or too cold when you are trying to get some rest.
Other Ways to Use Less Energy:
- Put in a smart thermostat: Switching to a smart thermostat in the summer is an excellent way to reduce energy costs by automatically adjusting to your lifestyle and personal preferences. They can lower the temperature while you are home or sleeping, before allowing it to warm up when no one is home. 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 Cottonwood & Prescott 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 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 Cottonwood & Prescott is only a phone call away, so don't hesitate to reach out to local pros who can set you up for success.
- Stay on top of routine AC maintenance: Investing in or ignoring regular air conditioning maintenance in Cottonwood & Prescott can have a significant impact on your utility bills. If you stay on top of cleaning key components like the coils, checking for damage and clearing air vents of dust and debris, you may notice your HVAC system run more efficiently. Higher energy efficiency will also reduce strain on important or delicate components and lowers operational costs, leading to lower energy usage, which translates into lower energy 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 helping air flow efficiently through your air conditioner. When filters become clogged, air conditioners have to work harder, and the strain can reduce the system’s life span and lead to breakdowns.
- Confirm your attic is sufficiently insulated: Insulation is a crucial component for any energy-efficient home, keeping the hot air outside and the cool air inside during 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 those in northern U.S. states should have 16-18 inches.
- Check your ventilation: Leaky ductwork can raise 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 help with both these issues.
- 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. 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.