Setting Your Thermostat to Save Money in Summer

We all like saving money on our monthly utility bills, but it turns out there’s a way to keep costs down, even when you’re out of the house.

The secret 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 asleep.

By trying a few of these schedules, you’ll be able to enjoy comfortable temperatures while also keeping more of your money. Here are some ways your thermostat can save you money in the summer:

While at Home

When you’re home, you want to enjoy a comfortable temperature. For the most part, you probably have your thermostat lower in the summer while inside to appreciate the cool air.

But the ideal temperature for the summer is actually around 78 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. By adjusting things a few degrees, you can stay cool while keeping your energy bill more manageable.

While Away

If you’re setting the temperature for when you are out of the house in summer, the majority of homeowners will set the thermostat higher than you would if you were in the house.

If your home is located somewhere a little cooler, 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 after you return. This way, your air conditioning unit won’t be working overtime to provide cooling for a bunch of empty rooms.

While Asleep

When it comes to sleeping in the summer, you want a temperature that’s nice and cool. A great place to start is between 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit. You won’t have to worry about 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 is an excellent way to reduce energy costs as it forms temperature schedules according to your lifestyle and personal preferences. A smart thermostat manages the temperature if you are home or sleeping, before allowing it to get warmer 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. Scheduling smart thermostat installation in your Carpentersville home is an effortless way to set the correct temperature whether you’re at home or across the country.
• Replace current equipment with a newer HVAC system: A new HVAC system saves money right from the start. By investing in a more energy-efficient system, you can also count on lower utility bills since more efficient equipment requires less energy to reach your preferred temperatures. Air conditioning installation in Carpentersville is a great way to beat the heat in the summer.
• Schedule annual AC maintenance: Whether or not you keep up with regular air conditioning maintenance in Carpentersville can have a serious effect on your total monthly energy use. By regularly cleaning 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 important or delicate components and lowers operational costs, leading to lower energy usage, which translates into lower energy bills.
• Clean or replace the air filter on a regular basis: Cleaning or replacing the air filter regularly 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 this greater strain could shorten the system’s life span and cause breakdowns.
• Check your attic insulation: 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 souther states should install at least 13-14 inches of insulation, while states further north need 16-18 inches.
• Review your air ducts: 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 to get into the atmosphere of 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 helps keep things cooler during those hot summer days. It’s 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 term.