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 making the most out of your thermostat, you can tailor the temperature to your needs. You can create a number of automated temperature settings for when you’re at home, away or even when you’re sleeping.
If you're willing to make these adjustments, you have more time to enjoy pleasant temperatures while also keeping more of your money. Take a look at a few ways your thermostat can be a source of energy savings:
While at Home
Pretty much whenever you're home, you want comfortable temperatures. For the most part, you probably have your thermostat lower in the summer if you're indoors to appreciate the cool air.
But the ideal temperature for the summer is usually between 78 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. By adjusting things a few degrees, you'll keep cool while keeping your energy bill more manageable.
While Out of the House
If you're setting the temperature for when you are out of the house in summer, it's extremely common to move the thermostat higher than normal.
If your home is located somewhere a little cooler, 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 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. You should try and keep things between 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit. This will keep you from getting too hot or too cold at some point overnight.
Other Ways to Use Less Energy:
- Install a smart thermostat: Using a smart thermostat in the summer is an excellent way to reduce energy costs by automatically adjusting to your lifestyle and personal preferences. A smart thermostat manages the temperature if you are home or sleeping, while allowing it to get 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. Planning smart thermostat installation in your Rockford home is an effortless way to set the correct temperature even when you aren’t home.
- Replace current equipment with a newer HVAC system: A new 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 reach your preferred temperatures. Air conditioning installation in Rockford is a great way to beat the heat in the summer.
- Stay on top of routine AC maintenance: Investing in or ignoring regular air conditioning maintenance in Rockford 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 run more efficiently. More efficient operation reduces strain on key parts and lowers operational costs, resulting in lower energy usage and subsequently, smaller bills.
- Replace your air filter regularly: Regularly changing the air filters in your HVAC system saves money by improving airflow. When filters are clogged with dirt and debris, 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 vital part of maintaining an energy-efficient home, securing the hot air outside and the cool air inside over the 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.
- Check your ductwork: 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 to get into the atmosphere of 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 can help keep it cooler on hot summer days. You should also 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.