Everyone’s always looking to save money on their utility bills, but it turns out 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 structure its daily schedule around your personal preferences. That means you can have different temperature settings for when you’re home, away or even when you’re sleeping.
With a few simple adjustments, you have more time to enjoy pleasant 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 a nice range of pleasant temperatures. For the most part, you probably have your thermostat lower in the summer if you're indoors to appreciate the cool air.
But in terms of energy efficiency, the best range 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 Away
When it comes to setting the temperature for whenever you're gone, the majority of homeowners will set the thermostat higher for while they're gone.
For some homes, you can set the temperature as high as 88 degrees while no one is home and then lower it back to the sweet spot of 78-80 degrees once you're home again. This way, your air conditioning unit won’t be working overtime to keep an empty house cool.
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. There's less risk of getting too hot or too cold while you're trying to sleep.
Other Strategies for Lowering Energy Use:
- Install 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 the house is empty. With models like 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 Tucson home is an effortless way to set the correct temperature no matter where you are.
- Update your existing HVAC system: Upgrading your HVAC system is another great option for long-term energy savings. By investing in a more energy-efficient system, your utility bills will be lower because it requires less energy to reach your preferred temperatures. Air conditioning installation in Tucson 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: Hiring a skilled professional to perform regular air conditioning maintenance in Tucson can have a serious effect on your total monthly energy use. With regular cleaning of the coils, checking for damage and clearing air vents of dust and debris, you may notice your HVAC system perform better during day-to-day use.. More efficient operation reduces strain on important or delicate components and lowers operational costs, resulting in lower energy usage and subsequently, smaller 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 keeping airflow as smooth and consistent as possible. When filters become clogged, your air conditioner will have to work harder, and the added strain may impact the system’s life span and result in breakdowns.
- Confirm your attic is sufficiently insulated: Insulation is one of the key components in any energy-efficient home, keeping the hot air outside and the cool air inside through summer. The North American Insulation Manufacturers Association (NAIMA) suggests that homeowners living in southern climates should possess at least 13-14 inches of insulation, while colder climates do better with 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 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: Sealing up other leaks in your home with caulk, foam sealant or weather-stripping keeps temperatures a little cooler on hot summer days. It 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 over time.