Setting Your Thermostat to Save Money in Summer

We all like saving money on our monthly utility bills, but it just so happens 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 tailor the temperature to your needs. 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 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

Whenever you’re at home, you want a nice range of pleasant temperatures. For the most part, you probably have your thermostat lower in the summer while inside to make the most of 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 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 extremely common to move the thermostat higher than normal.

If your home is in a shady spot in a cooler climate, you can set the thermostat to temperatures as high as 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 unit won’t be working overtime to provide cooling for a bunch of empty rooms.

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. This will keep you from getting too hot or too cold at some point overnight.

Other Ways to Use Less Energy:

• Put in a smart thermostat: Using a smart thermostat in the summer is an excellent way to reduce energy costs as it forms temperature schedules according to your lifestyle and personal preferences. They can lower the temperature while you are home or sleeping, while allowing it to get a little warmer when no one is around. With models like the Lennox iComfort, you can adjust the temperature remotely through your smartphone, tablet or laptop. Requesting smart thermostat installation in your Fort Lauderdale home is an effortless way to set the correct temperature no matter where you are.
• Upgrade your HVAC system: A new HVAC system is another great option for long-term energy savings. By investing in a more energy-efficient system, your utility bills will be lower because it requires less energy to heat and cool your home. Air conditioning installation in Fort Lauderdale is only a phone call away, so don’t hesitate to reach out to local pros like Solar Air Inc. who can set you up for success.
• Keep up with AC maintenance: Investing in or ignoring regular air conditioning maintenance in Fort Lauderdale can have a significant impact on your utility bills. By regularly cleaning the coils, checking for damage and clearing ventilation 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, leading to lower energy usage, which translates into lower energy bills.
• Replace your air filter regularly: Regularly changing the air filters in your HVAC system saves money by helping air flow efficiently through your air conditioner. When filters are old and less effective, an AC unit has to work harder, and the strain can reduce the system’s life span and result in breakdowns.
• Check if you have enough insulation in the attic: Insulation is a crucial component for any energy-efficient home, securing the hot air outside and the cool air inside over the summer. The North American Insulation Manufacturers Association (NAIMA) suggests that homeowners living in southern climates should have at least 13-14 inches of insulation, while those in northern U.S. states should have 16-18 inches.
• Check your air ducts: 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. Watching for signs of 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. Making time to seal leaks now can help you save a lot in the long run.