Everyone’s always looking to save money on their utility bills, but it turns out there’s a way to lower energy use, even when you're not even home.
The key is your thermostat. By making the most out of your thermostat, you can help the thermostat plan for your preferred temperatures. You can create a number of automated temperature settings for when you’re 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. Take a look at a few ways your thermostat doesn't have to use up all your summer spending money:
While at Home
Whenever you're at home, you want to enjoy a comfortable temperature. It's only natural to want your thermostat lower in the summer if you're indoors to appreciate the cool air.
But the ideal temperature for when you're in your home during the summer is actually around 78 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. With this adjustment, you'll keep 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 than normal.
If your home is located somewhere a little cooler, you can set the thermostat to temperatures as high as 88 degrees while no one is home before lowering it back to the sweet spot of 78-80 degrees when you or a family member return. This way, your air conditioning unit won’t be working overtime to keep an empty house cool.
While Sleeping
To enjoy a good night's sleep during the summer, you want a nice cool 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 by automatically adjusting to your lifestyle and home environment. They can lower the temperature while you are home or sleeping, before 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. Requesting smart thermostat installation in your Naples 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 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 Naples 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 Naples can have a big impact on your monthly energy use. With regular cleaning of the coils, checking for damage and clearing air vents of dust and debris, this can help 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: A regular schedule for cleaning or replacing the HVAC system's air filter 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 cause breakdowns.
- Confirm your attic is sufficiently insulated: Insulation is a crucial component for any energy-efficient home, keeping the hot air outside and the cool air inside through summer. The North American Insulation Manufacturers Association (NAIMA) offers an official recommendation stating homeowners in southern states should possess at least 13-14 inches of insulation, while states further north need 16-18 inches.
- Inspect your ductwork: Leaky ductwork can raise 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. Checking your ductwork for leaks and sealing them can fix both of those problems.
- Seal all other leaky spots in your home: Finding and sealing any remaining leaks in your home with caulk, foam sealant or weather-stripping helps keep things cooler during those 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.