Setting Your Thermostat to Save Money in Summer

We all like saving money on our monthly utility bills, but it turns out there’s a way to lower energy use, even when you’re not even home.

The key is your thermostat. By making the most out of your thermostat, you can tailor the temperature to your needs. This means establishing various temperature settings for when you’re at 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. Here are some ways your thermostat can save you money in the summer:

While at Home

Whenever you’re at home, you want to enjoy a comfortable temperature. For the most part, you probably have your thermostat lower in the summer while you are in the house to make the most of the cool air.

But the most energy-efficient temperatures for the summer is in fact anywhere between 78 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. With this adjustment, you’ll avoid the worst of summer while keeping your energy bill more manageable.

While Gone

If you’re setting the temperature for whenever you’re gone, the majority of homeowners will set the thermostat higher for while they’re gone.

Depending on the local climate or your home’s location, you can set the thermostat to higher temperatures like 88 degrees while no one is home and then lower 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 cool an empty house.

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 while you’re trying to sleep.

Additional Ways to Reduce Energy Use:

• Put in a smart thermostat: Using a smart thermostat in the summer can lower energy costs by automatically adjusting 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 a little warmer when no one is home. Using reputed brands and models such as the Lennox iComfort, you are able to adjust settings and schedules through your smartphone, tablet or laptop. Requesting smart thermostat installation in your Norton home is an effortless way to set the correct temperature even when you aren’t home.
• Update your existing HVAC system: A high-efficiency HVAC system saves money right from the start. 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 Norton is only a phone call away, so don’t hesitate to reach out to local pros like HCE Systems who can set you up for success.
• Schedule annual AC maintenance: Investing in or ignoring regular air conditioning maintenance in Norton can have a significant impact on your utility bills. With regular cleaning of 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.. Higher energy efficiency will also reduce strain on important or delicate components and lowers operational costs, lowering total energy use and eventually the total monthly bill.
• Clean or replace the air filter on a regular basis: Cleaning or replacing the air filter regularly saves money by helping air flow efficiently through your air conditioner. When filters are old and less effective, an AC unit has 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 during the summer. The North American Insulation Manufacturers Association (NAIMA) offers an official recommendation stating homeowners in souther states should possess at least 13-14 inches of insulation, while states further north need 16-18 inches.
• Review your ductwork: 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 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. Making time to seal leaks now can help you save a lot in the long term.