Setting Your Thermostat to Save Money in Summer

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.

The key is your thermostat. By learning more about its special features and settings, 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’ll be able to enjoy comfortable temperatures while keeping more money in your pocket. Take a look at a few ways your thermostat doesn’t have to use up all your summer spending money:

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 while you are in the house to appreciate the cool air.

But the ideal temperature for the summer is usually between 78 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. With this adjustment, you can stay cool while keeping your energy bill more manageable.

While Out of the House

When it comes to setting the temperature for a vacation or other trip away from the house, it’s advantageous to set the thermostat higher than normal.

If your home is located somewhere a little cooler, you can set the thermostat to higher temperatures like 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 provide cooling for a bunch of empty rooms.

While Asleep

For a full night’s rest during summer weather, you want your thermostat set at a comfortable temperature. A good rule of thumb 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 Strategies for Lowering 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. A smart thermostat manages the temperature if 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 can adjust the temperature remotely through your smartphone, tablet or laptop. Planning smart thermostat installation in your Weatherford home is an effortless way to set the correct temperature no matter where you are.
• Update your existing HVAC system: A high-efficiency HVAC system is another great option for long-term energy savings. If a system boasts high energy efficiency, lower utility bills won’t be far behind since it requires less energy to achieve comfortable temperatures. Air conditioning installation in Weatherford is only a phone call away, so don’t hesitate to reach out to local pros like Parker County Cooling & Heating who can set you up for success.
• Schedule annual AC maintenance: Hiring a skilled professional to perform regular air conditioning maintenance in Weatherford can have a significant impact on your utility bills. With regular cleaning of 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 the unit 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 helping air flow efficiently through your air conditioner. When filters are old and less effective, air conditioners have to work harder, and this greater strain could shorten the system’s life span and result in breakdowns.
• Check your attic insulation: Insulation is a vital part of maintaining an energy-efficient home, keeping 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 install at least 13-14 inches of insulation, while colder climates do better with 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. Watching for signs of leaks and sealing them can fix both of those problems.
• Seal all other leaky spots in your home: Sealing leaky spots in your home with caulk, foam sealant or weather-stripping helps keep things cooler during those hot summer days. You should also check for any gaps around windows, doors and even outdoor fixtures. Taking the time to seal up any leaks now can help you save a lot in the long run.