How to Set Your Thermostat and Save Money in Summer

We all like saving money on our monthly utility bills, but it just so happens there’s a way to lower energy use, even when you're not even home.

The key is your thermostat. By learning more about its special features and settings, you can help the thermostat plan for your preferred temperatures. This means establishing various temperature settings for when you’re at home, away or even when you’re asleep.

By trying a few of these schedules, you can enjoy comfy temperatures while also keeping more of your money. Check out our guide on how your thermostat can be a source of energy savings:

While at Home

Whenever you're at home, you want to enjoy a comfortable temperature. It's only natural to want your thermostat lower in the summer if you're indoors to make the most of the cool air.

But the most energy-efficient temperatures for the summer is in fact anywhere between 78 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. With this adjustment, you can stay cool while still lowering your monthly energy bill.

While Gone

If you're setting the temperature for whenever you're gone, it's extremely common to move the thermostat higher for while they're gone.

For some homes, 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 when you or a family member return. This way, your air conditioning system isn't working around the clock to provide cooling for a bunch of empty rooms.

While Sleeping

When it comes to sleeping in the summer, you want a temperature that's nice and cool. A great place to start is between 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit. There's less risk of getting too hot or too cold at some point overnight.

Other Ways to Use Less Energy:

• Install a smart thermostat: Using a smart thermostat in the summer helps save money on energy costs by automatically adjusting to your lifestyle and personal preferences. A smart thermostat manages the temperature if you are home or sleeping, while allowing it to get a little warmer when the house is empty. Using reputed brands and models such as the Lennox iComfort, you are able to adjust settings and schedules through your smartphone, tablet or laptop. Requesting smart thermostat installation in your Elk River 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 is another great option for long-term energy savings. By investing in a more energy-efficient system, your utility bills will be lower because it requires less energy to heat and cool your home. Air conditioning installation in Elk River is a great way to beat the heat in the summer.
• Schedule annual AC maintenance: Investing in or ignoring regular air conditioning maintenance in Elk River can have a significant impact on your utility bills. With regular cleaning of the coils, checking for damage and clearing air vents of dust and debris, you may notice your HVAC system perform better during day-to-day use.. Higher energy efficiency will also reduce strain on key parts and lowers operational costs, resulting in lower energy usage and subsequently, smaller 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 clogged with dirt and debris, your air conditioner will have to work harder, and this greater strain could shorten the system’s life span and lead to breakdowns.
• Verify your attic has enough insulation: Insulation is a crucial component for any 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 those in northern U.S. states should have 16-18 inches.
• Review your air ducts: Damage to the ventilation is capable of increasing your energy bills much more than 20 percent, plus it can potentially allow harmful emissions from 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: Sealing leaky spots in your home with caulk, foam sealant or weather-stripping can help keep it cooler on hot summer days. Don't forget to check for any gaps around windows, doors and even outdoor fixtures. Taking the time to seal up any leaks now can help you save a lot in the long term.