How to Set Your Thermostat and Save Money in Summer

It’s always nice when we manage to save money on our utility bills, but it just so happens there’s a way to do it when you aren’t even home.

The key is your thermostat. By using automatic schedules, 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 can enjoy comfy temperatures while also keeping more of your money. Take a look at a few ways your thermostat doesn’t have to use up all your summer spending money:

While at Home

When you’re home, you want a nice range of pleasant 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 the most energy-efficient temperatures for the summer is actually around 78 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. With this adjustment, you’ll keep cool while still lowering your monthly energy bill.

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.

Depending on the local climate or your home’s location, you can set the thermostat to temperatures as high as 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 unit won’t be working overtime to keep an empty house cool.

While Asleep

When it comes to sleeping in the summer, you want a nice cool temperature. A good rule of thumb is between 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit. You won’t have to worry about getting too hot or too cold while you’re trying to sleep.

Additional Ways to Reduce Energy Use:

• Put in a smart thermostat: Trying a smart thermostat in the summer helps save money on energy costs since it can plan your temperature adjustments according to your lifestyle and idea of what comfortable is. It’ll take care of making changes while you are home or sleeping, while allowing it to get warmer when the house is empty. With models like the Lennox iComfort, you are able to adjust settings and schedules through your smartphone, tablet or laptop. Scheduling smart thermostat installation in your Edmond home can be the simplest strategy for maintaining comfortable, yet energy-efficient temperatures even when you aren’t home.
• Update your existing HVAC system: Upgrading your HVAC system saves money right from the start. If a system boasts high energy efficiency, you can also count on lower utility bills since more efficient equipment requires less energy to achieve comfortable temperatures. Air conditioning installation in Edmond is a breeze for experienced professionals like Prudhom Mechanical.
• Keep up with AC maintenance: Whether or not you keep up with regular air conditioning maintenance in Edmond can have a big impact on your 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 run more efficiently. Higher energy efficiency will also reduce strain on key parts 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: Cleaning or replacing the air filter regularly saves money by improving airflow. When filters are old and less effective, your air conditioner will have to work harder, and the strain can reduce the system’s life span and result in breakdowns.
• Verify your attic has enough insulation: Insulation is a crucial component for any energy-efficient home, securing 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 install at least 13-14 inches of insulation, while states further north need 16-18 inches.
• Check your air ducts: Damage to the ventilation is capable of increasing 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. Finding any leaks fast 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 can help keep it 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 over time.