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 secret is your thermostat. By learning more about its special features and settings, you can help the thermostat plan for your preferred temperatures. You can create a number of automated temperature settings for when you’re at home, away or even when you’re sleeping.
With a few simple adjustments, you'll be able to enjoy comfortable temperatures while also keeping more of your money. Take a look at a few ways your thermostat can save you money in the summer:
While at Home
Whenever you're at home, you want to enjoy a comfortable temperature. 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'll avoid the worst of summer while still keeping your energy bills low.
While Away
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 for while they're gone.
If your home is in a shady spot in a cooler climate, you can set the temperature as high as 88 degrees while no one is home and then lower it back to the sweet spot of 78-80 degrees once you're home again. This way, your air conditioning system isn't working around the clock to cool an empty house.
While Asleep
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. 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 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, before allowing it to warm up when no one is home. With reliable brands like the Lennox iComfort, you are able to adjust settings and schedules through your smartphone, tablet or laptop. Requesting smart thermostat installation in your Mount Pleasant home is an effortless way to set the correct temperature no matter where you are.
- Upgrade your HVAC system: Upgrading your HVAC system saves money right from the start. If a system boasts high energy efficiency, your utility bills will be lower because it requires less energy to achieve comfortable temperatures. Air conditioning installation in Mount Pleasant is a breeze for experienced professionals.
- Stay on top of routine AC maintenance: Investing in or ignoring regular air conditioning maintenance in Mount Pleasant 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 keeping vents clear of dust and debris, you may notice your HVAC system run more efficiently. Higher energy efficiency will also reduce 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 helping air flow efficiently through your air conditioner. When filters are old and less effective, air conditioners have to work harder, and the strain can reduce the system’s life span and lead to breakdowns.
- Check your attic insulation: 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) offers an official recommendation stating homeowners in southern states should have at least 13-14 inches of insulation, while states further north need 16-18 inches.
- Inspect your air ducts: 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 to get into the atmosphere of 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. It also important to 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.