Everyone’s always looking to save money on their utility bills, but you should know there’s a way to keep costs down, even when you're out of the house.
It starts with your thermostat. By using automatic schedules, you can structure its daily schedule around your personal preferences. This means establishing various temperature settings for when you’re home, away or even when you’re sleeping.
By trying a few of these schedules, you'll be able to enjoy comfortable temperatures while also keeping more of your money. Check out our guide on how your thermostat can save you money in the summer:
While at Home
Pretty much whenever you're home, you want comfortable temperatures. It's only natural to want your thermostat lower in the summer if you're indoors to appreciate the cool air.
But the most energy-efficient temperatures for when you're in your home during the summer is actually around 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
When setting the temperature for whenever you're gone, it's extremely common to move the thermostat higher for while they're gone.
If your home is in a shady spot in a cooler climate, you can set the thermostat to higher temperatures like 88 degrees while no one is home before you adjust 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 Sleeping
For a full night's rest during summer weather, you want a temperature that's nice and cool. A good rule of thumb is between 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit. This will keep you from getting too hot or too cold when you are trying to get some rest.
Additional Ways to Reduce Energy Use:
- Put in a smart thermostat: Switching to a smart thermostat in the summer is an excellent way to reduce energy costs by automatically adjusting 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 warm up 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. Scheduling smart thermostat installation in your Menomonie and western Wisconsin home can be the simplest strategy for maintaining comfortable, yet energy-efficient temperatures even when you aren’t home.
- Replace current equipment with a newer HVAC system: A high-efficiency 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 Menomonie and western Wisconsin is a breeze for experienced professionals.
- Stay on top of routine AC maintenance: Whether or not you keep up with regular air conditioning maintenance in Menomonie and western Wisconsin 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, this can help your HVAC system perform better during day-to-day use.. More efficient operation reduces strain on the unit and lowers operational costs, lowering total energy use and eventually the total monthly bill.
- Replace your air filter regularly: Cleaning or replacing the air filter regularly saves money by improving airflow. When filters are old and less effective, an AC unit has to work harder, and this greater strain could shorten the system’s life span and result in breakdowns.
- Check if you have enough insulation in the attic: 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) 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.
- Review your air ducts: 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 address both concerns.
- Seal all other leaky spots in your home: Sealing leaky spots in your home with caulk, foam sealant or weather-stripping can help keep it cooler on hot summer days. Don't forget 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 over time.