Setting Your Thermostat to Save Money in Summer

It's always nice when we manage to save money on our utility bills, but it turns out there’s a way to keep costs down, even when you're out of the house.

It starts with your thermostat. By making the most out of your thermostat, you can tailor the temperature to your needs. That means you can have different temperature settings for when you’re home, away or even when you’re sleeping.

If you're willing to make these adjustments, you'll be able to enjoy comfortable temperatures while also keeping more of your money. Check out our guide on how your thermostat doesn't have to use up all your summer spending money:

While at Home

When you’re home, you want to enjoy a comfortable temperature. It's only natural to want your thermostat lower in the summer while inside to make the most of the cool air.

But the ideal temperature for the summer is usually between 78 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. This way, you can stay cool while keeping your energy bill more manageable.

While Away

When it comes to setting the temperature for a vacation or other trip away from the house, it’s advantageous to set the thermostat higher for while they're gone.

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 lowering it back to the sweet spot of 78-80 degrees once you're home again. This way, your air conditioning unit won’t be working overtime to keep an empty house cool.

While Asleep

For a full night's rest during summer weather, you want a nice cool temperature. You should try and keep things between 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit. There's less risk of getting too hot or too cold while you're trying to sleep.

Additional Ways to Reduce Energy Use:

• Install a smart thermostat: Using a smart thermostat in the summer helps save money on energy costs since it can plan your temperature adjustments according to your lifestyle and personal preferences. It'll take care of making changes while you are home or sleeping, before allowing it to get a little warmer when no one is home. With models like the Lennox iComfort, you have the ability to remotely access and change the temperature through your smartphone, tablet or laptop. Scheduling smart thermostat installation in your Warrenton home can be the simplest strategy for maintaining comfortable, yet energy-efficient temperatures even when you aren’t home.

• Upgrade your HVAC system: Upgrading your HVAC system saves money right from the start. By investing in a more energy-efficient system, your utility bills will be lower because it requires less energy to reach your preferred temperatures. Air conditioning installation in Warrenton is only a phone call away, so don't hesitate to reach out to local pros like Schraer Heating & Air Conditioning who can set you up for success.

• Keep up with AC maintenance: Hiring a skilled professional to perform regular air conditioning maintenance in Warrenton can have a serious effect on your total monthly energy use. With regular cleaning of 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 important or delicate components and lowers operational costs, lowering total energy use and eventually the total monthly bill.

• Replace your air filter regularly: Regularly changing the air filters in your HVAC system saves money by improving airflow. When filters become clogged, an AC unit has to work harder, and the added strain may impact the system’s life span and lead to breakdowns.

• Verify your attic has enough insulation: Insulation is one of the key components in any energy-efficient home, keeping the hot air outside and the cool air inside during 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 those in northern U.S. states should have 16-18 inches.

• Inspect your air ducts: 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 throughout your home. Finding any leaks fast 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. 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 in the long run.