How to Set Your Thermostat and Save Money in Summer

Everyone’s always looking to save money on their utility bills, but it just so happens 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. This means establishing various temperature settings for when you’re at home, away or even when you’re sleeping.

By trying a few of these schedules, you can enjoy comfy temperatures while keeping more money in your pocket. Here are some ways your thermostat doesn't have to use up all your summer spending money:

While at Home

Pretty much whenever you're home, you want comfortable temperatures. That’s why it’s best to set your thermostat lower in the summer if you're indoors to appreciate the cool air.

But the ideal temperature for the summer is usually between 78 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. With this adjustment, you can stay cool while still lowering your monthly energy bill.

While Out of the House

If you're setting the temperature for when you are out of the house in summer, it's extremely common to move the thermostat higher than you would if you were in the house.

Depending on the local climate or your home's location, you can set the thermostat to temperatures 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 won't have to work constantly to keep an empty house cool.

While Asleep

When it comes to sleeping in the summer, you want your thermostat set at a comfortable temperature. A good rule of thumb is between 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit. There's less risk of getting too hot or too cold while you're trying to sleep.

Other Strategies for Lowering Energy Use:

• Put in a smart thermostat: Switching to a smart thermostat in the summer helps save money on energy costs as it forms temperature schedules according to your lifestyle and home environment. It'll take care of making changes while you are home or sleeping, while allowing it to get warmer when no one is home. Using reputed brands and models such as the Lennox iComfort, you have the ability to remotely access and change the temperature through your smartphone, tablet or laptop. Planning smart thermostat installation in your Georgetown 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: Upgrading your HVAC system saves money right from the start. With greater energy efficiency, lower utility bills won't be far behind since it requires less energy to achieve comfortable temperatures. Air conditioning installation in Georgetown is a great way to beat the heat in the summer.
• Keep up with AC maintenance: Hiring a skilled professional to perform regular air conditioning maintenance in Georgetown 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 air vents of dust and debris, this can help your HVAC system run more efficiently. Increasing efficiency also limits strain on the unit 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 helping air flow efficiently through your air conditioner. When filters are old and less effective, your air conditioner will have to work harder, and this greater strain could shorten the system’s life span and result in breakdowns.
• Check if you have enough insulation in the attic: Insulation is a vital part of maintaining an energy-efficient home, securing the hot air outside and the cool air inside over the summer. The North American Insulation Manufacturers Association (NAIMA) recommends that homes in the southern United States should possess at least 13-14 inches of insulation, while colder climates do better with 16-18 inches.
• Review your ductwork: A leak in the air ducts could increase 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. Checking your ductwork for leaks 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 helps keep things cooler during those hot summer days. You should also check for any gaps around windows, doors and even outdoor fixtures. Devoting time and effort to sealing leaks now can help you save a lot over time.