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 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.
By trying a few of these schedules, you have more time to enjoy pleasant 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
Pretty much whenever you're home, you want to enjoy a comfortable temperature. 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 most energy-efficient temperatures for the summer is in fact anywhere between 78 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. By adjusting things a few degrees, you can stay cool while still keeping your energy bills low.
While Out of the House
When setting the temperature for a vacation or other trip away from the house, the majority of homeowners will set the thermostat higher than you would if you were in the house.
For some homes, you can set the temperature 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 system isn't working around the clock to cool an empty house.
While Sleeping
To enjoy a good night's sleep during the summer, you want your thermostat set at a comfortable temperature. You should try and keep things between 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit. You won't have to worry about getting too hot or too cold while you're trying to sleep.
Additional Ways to Reduce Energy Use:
- Put in a smart thermostat: Trying a smart thermostat in the summer can lower energy costs since it can plan your temperature adjustments according to your lifestyle and home environment. A smart thermostat manages the temperature if you are home or sleeping, while allowing it to get warmer when the house is empty. Using reputed brands and models such as the Lennox iComfort, you can adjust the temperature remotely through your smartphone, tablet or laptop. Requesting smart thermostat installation in your Narvon home can be the simplest strategy for maintaining comfortable, yet energy-efficient temperatures even when you aren’t home.
- Replace current equipment with a newer HVAC system: A high-efficiency HVAC system is another great option for long-term energy savings. By investing in a more energy-efficient system, you can also count on lower utility bills since more efficient equipment requires less energy to achieve comfortable temperatures. Air conditioning installation in Narvon is a great way to beat the heat in the summer.
- Keep up with AC maintenance: Investing in or ignoring regular air conditioning maintenance in Narvon can have a significant impact on your utility bills. If you stay on top of cleaning key components like 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, resulting in lower energy usage and subsequently, smaller bills.
- Clean or replace the air filter on a regular basis: 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 are clogged with dirt and debris, air conditioners have to work harder, and the added strain may impact the system’s life span and result in breakdowns.
- Confirm your attic is sufficiently insulated: 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) suggests that homeowners living in southern climates should install at least 13-14 inches of insulation, while colder climates do better with 16-18 inches.
- Inspect your ductwork: Damage to the ventilation is capable of increasing your energy bills much more than 20 percent, plus it can potentially allow harmful emissions from your water heater, clothes dryer and other appliances to get into the atmosphere of your home. Finding any leaks fast 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. 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 in the long run.