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 do it when you aren’t even home.

The secret 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.

If you’re willing to make these adjustments, you can enjoy comfy temperatures while keeping more money in your pocket. Here are some ways your thermostat doesn’t have to use up all your summer spending money:

While at Home

Whenever you’re at home, you want a nice range of pleasant temperatures. It’s only natural to want your thermostat lower in the summer if you’re indoors 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. By adjusting things a few degrees, you’ll avoid the worst of summer while keeping your energy bill more manageable.

While Out of the House

If you’re setting the temperature for a vacation or other trip away from the house, it’s extremely common to move the thermostat higher than you would if you were in the house.

Depending on the local climate or your home’s location, you can set the temperature as high as 88 degrees while no one is home before you adjust it back to the sweet spot of 78-80 degrees once you’re home again. This way, your air conditioning won’t have to work constantly to cool an empty house.

While Sleeping

To enjoy a good night’s sleep during the summer, you want a temperature that’s nice and cool. A great place to start is between 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit. You won’t have to worry about getting too hot or too cold at some point overnight.

Additional Ways to Reduce Energy Use:

• Smart thermostat installation: Trying a smart thermostat in the summer helps save money on energy costs as it forms temperature schedules according to your lifestyle and home environment. They can lower the temperature while you are home or sleeping, while allowing it to get a little warmer when no one is home. With reliable brands like the Lennox iComfort, you can adjust the temperature remotely through your smartphone, tablet or laptop. Requesting smart thermostat installation in your Front Royal home can be the simplest strategy for maintaining comfortable, yet energy-efficient temperatures no matter where you are.
• Update your existing HVAC system: A new HVAC system can save money in the long run. With greater energy efficiency, lower utility bills won’t be far behind since it requires less energy to heat and cool your home. Air conditioning installation in Front Royal is a great way to beat the heat in the summer.
• Keep up with AC maintenance: Hiring a skilled professional to perform regular air conditioning maintenance in Front Royal can have a serious effect on your total monthly energy use. If you stay on top of cleaning key components like 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.. More efficient operation reduces strain on important or delicate components and lowers operational costs, resulting in lower energy usage and subsequently, smaller bills.
• Replace your air filter regularly: A regular schedule for cleaning or replacing the HVAC system’s air filter saves money by helping air flow efficiently through your air conditioner. When filters are clogged with dirt and debris, your air conditioner will have to work harder, and this greater strain could shorten 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, securing 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 affect equipment such as 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 leaky spots 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. Taking the time to seal up any leaks now can help you save a lot in the long term.