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 structure its daily schedule around your personal preferences. You can create a number of automated temperature settings for when you’re at home, away or even when you’re sleeping.
By trying a few of these schedules, you'll be able to enjoy comfortable temperatures while cutting down your energy bills. Here are some ways your thermostat doesn't have to use up all your summer spending money:
While at Home
When you’re home, you want comfortable temperatures. For the most part, you probably have your thermostat lower in the summer if you're indoors to make the most of the cool air.
But the ideal temperature for when you're in your home during the summer is in fact anywhere between 78 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. With this adjustment, you can stay cool while keeping your energy bill more manageable.
While Gone
When it comes to setting the temperature for whenever you're gone, it's extremely common to move the thermostat higher than normal.
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 when you or a family member return. This way, your air conditioning won't have to work constantly 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. This will keep you from getting too hot or too cold while you're trying to sleep.
Additional Ways to Reduce Energy Use:
- Put in a smart thermostat: Using a smart thermostat in the summer can lower energy costs since it can plan your temperature adjustments according to your lifestyle and personal preferences. A smart thermostat manages the temperature if you are home or sleeping, before allowing it to warm up when no one is home. Using reputed brands and models such as the Lennox iComfort, you can adjust the temperature remotely through your smartphone, tablet or laptop. Planning smart thermostat installation in your Libertyville home is an effortless way to set the correct temperature even when you aren’t home.
- Upgrade your 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 Libertyville is a great way to beat the heat in the summer.
- Keep up with AC maintenance: Whether or not you keep up with regular air conditioning maintenance in Libertyville can have a big impact on your 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 run more efficiently. More efficient operation reduces strain on important or delicate components and lowers operational costs, leading to lower energy usage, which translates into lower energy bills.
- Replace your air filter regularly: A regular schedule for cleaning or replacing the HVAC system's air filter saves money by keeping airflow as smooth and consistent as possible. When filters become clogged, an AC unit has to work harder, and the added strain may impact the system’s life span and result in breakdowns.
- Check your attic insulation: Insulation is one of the key components in any energy-efficient home, securing 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 colder climates do better with 16-18 inches.
- Inspect your ventilation: A leak in the air ducts could increase your energy bills much more than 20 percent, plus it can also lead to problems with your water heater, clothes dryer and other appliances to get into the atmosphere of your home. Finding any leaks fast and sealing them can help with both these issues.
- Seal all other leaky spots in your home: Sealing up other leaks in your home with caulk, foam sealant or weather-stripping keeps temperatures a little cooler on hot summer days. It 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 run.