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 do it when you aren’t even home.

The secret is your thermostat. By learning more about its special features and settings, 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 asleep.

With a few simple adjustments, you'll be able to enjoy comfortable temperatures while keeping more money in your pocket. Take a look at a few ways your thermostat can be a source of energy savings:

While at Home

When you’re home, you want comfortable temperatures. It's only natural to want your thermostat lower in the summer while you are in the house to make the most of the cool air.

But in terms of energy efficiency, the best range for the summer is usually between 78 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. With this adjustment, you'll avoid the worst of summer while keeping your energy bill more manageable.

While Out of the House

If you're setting the temperature for whenever you're gone, it’s advantageous to set the thermostat higher than normal.

For some homes, 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 once you're home again. This way, your air conditioning unit won’t be working overtime to provide cooling for a bunch of empty rooms.

While Sleeping

To enjoy a good night's sleep during the summer, you want a temperature that's nice and cool. A good rule of thumb is between 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit. This will keep you from getting too hot or too cold while you're trying to sleep.

Additional Ways to Reduce Energy Use:

• Smart thermostat installation: Switching to a smart thermostat in the summer helps save money on energy costs by automatically adjusting to your lifestyle and idea of what comfortable is. They can lower the temperature while you are home or sleeping, before allowing it to get warmer when the house is empty. 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 Mason City 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 high-efficiency HVAC system saves money right from the start. If a system boasts high energy efficiency, lower utility bills won't be far behind since it requires less energy to achieve comfortable temperatures. Air conditioning installation in Mason City is a great way to beat the heat in the summer.
• Schedule annual AC maintenance: Hiring a skilled professional to perform regular air conditioning maintenance in Mason City can have a serious effect on your total monthly energy use. With regular cleaning of the coils, checking for damage and clearing ventilation of dust and debris, you may notice your HVAC system run more efficiently. Increasing efficiency also limits strain on important or delicate components 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 improving airflow. When filters are old and less effective, your air conditioner will have to work harder, and the strain can reduce the system’s life span and cause breakdowns.
• Confirm your attic is sufficiently insulated: Insulation is a vital part of maintaining an 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 colder climates do better with 16-18 inches.
• Review 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 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’s 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 in the long term.