Everyone’s always looking to save money on their utility bills, but you should know there’s a way to keep costs down, even when you're out of the house.
It starts with your thermostat. By learning more about its special features and settings, 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.
With a few simple adjustments, you can enjoy comfy temperatures while also keeping more of your money. Check out our guide on how your thermostat can save you money in the summer:
While at Home
Pretty much whenever you're home, you want to enjoy a comfortable temperature. That’s why it’s best to set your thermostat lower in the summer while inside to appreciate the cool air.
But the most energy-efficient temperatures for the summer is in fact anywhere between 78 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. This way, you can stay cool while still lowering your monthly energy bill.
While Gone
When it comes to setting the temperature for a vacation or other trip away from the house, the majority of homeowners will set the thermostat higher than normal.
If your home is in a shady spot in a cooler climate, you can set the thermostat to higher temperatures like 88 degrees while no one is home before you adjust 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
For a full night's rest during summer weather, you want a temperature that's nice and cool. You should try and keep things 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.
Additional Ways to Reduce Energy Use:
- Smart thermostat installation: 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. They can lower the temperature while 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 Hasbrouck Heights home is an effortless way to set the correct temperature no matter where you are.
- Replace current equipment with a newer HVAC system: Upgrading your HVAC system saves money right from the start. With greater energy efficiency, you can also count on lower utility bills since more efficient equipment requires less energy to reach your preferred temperatures. Air conditioning installation in Hasbrouck Heights is a breeze for experienced professionals.
- Keep up with AC maintenance: Hiring a skilled professional to perform regular air conditioning maintenance in Hasbrouck Heights 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 air vents 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, lowering total energy use and eventually the total monthly bill.
- Replace your air filter regularly: Cleaning or replacing the air filter regularly saves money by helping air flow efficiently through your air conditioner. 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.
- Check if you have enough insulation in the attic: 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) recommends that homes in the southern United States should have at least 13-14 inches of insulation, while states further north need 16-18 inches.
- Check your ventilation: 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. Finding any leaks fast and sealing them can address both concerns.
- 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 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 over time.