Setting Your Thermostat to Save Money in Summer

We all like saving money on our monthly utility bills, but it turns out there’s a way to keep costs down, even when you're out of the house.

The key 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.

If you're willing to make these 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 doesn't have to use up all your summer spending money:

While at Home

When you’re home, you want a nice range of pleasant temperatures. For the most part, you probably have your thermostat lower in the summer while inside to appreciate the cool air.

But in terms of energy efficiency, the best range for when you're in your home during the summer is actually around 78 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. By adjusting things a few degrees, you'll keep cool while still lowering your monthly energy bill.

While Away

When it comes to setting the temperature for when you are out of the house in summer, it's extremely common to move the thermostat higher for while they're gone.

Depending on the local climate or your home's location, you can set the thermostat to higher temperatures like 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 Sleeping

For a full night's rest during summer weather, you want a nice cool temperature. A good rule of thumb is between 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit. There's less risk of getting too hot or too cold when you are trying to get some rest.

Other Strategies for Lowering Energy Use:

• Smart thermostat installation: Using a smart thermostat in the summer helps save money on energy costs as it forms temperature schedules according to your lifestyle and personal preferences. They can lower the temperature while you are home or sleeping, before allowing it to get a little warmer when no one is home. With reliable brands like the Lennox iComfort, you have the ability to remotely access and change the temperature through your smartphone, tablet or laptop. Requesting smart thermostat installation in your Moline home can be the simplest strategy for maintaining comfortable, yet energy-efficient temperatures whether you're at home or across the country.
• Upgrade your 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 heat and cool your home. Air conditioning installation in Moline 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 Moline can have a big impact on your monthly energy use. By regularly cleaning the coils, checking for damage and clearing ventilation of dust and debris, you may notice your HVAC system run more efficiently. Higher energy efficiency will also reduce 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 helping air flow efficiently through your air conditioner. When filters become clogged, your air conditioner will have to work harder, and this greater strain could shorten the system’s life span and result in breakdowns.
• Verify your attic has enough insulation: Insulation is one of the key components in any energy-efficient home, securing 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 possess at least 13-14 inches of insulation, while colder climates do better with 16-18 inches.
• Check your ductwork: Leaky ductwork can raise 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 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. You should also 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.