Tips to Reduce Cooling Costs When No One Is Home
Energy bills are a chief concern for homeowners during the summer. As summer heat and humidity rise, so do energy bills. Luckily there are easy ways to help reduce cooling costs over the summer to help take some of the financial stress out of the season.
The best way to begin lowering cooling bills over the summer is to prevent the AC from running up the energy bill too high when no one is home. Here is a quick guide to help homeowners reduce their cooling costs when out of the house during the summer without risking comfort when they return.
Raise the Thermostat
When family members are away from home working or running errands in the summer, homeowners can save significantly on energy costs by changing the thermostat to 78 degrees Fahrenheit at a minimum while nobody is home. Keeping the home's temperature at this level will help ensure it remains comfortable upon people returning without wasting money on cooling an empty house.
People can also turn the thermostat higher when away for extended periods, like on vacation. However, it’s recommended not to exceed 85 degrees Fahrenheit to protect the home from getting too hot while still saving money. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, people can save up to 10% yearly on their heating and cooling costs by adjusting their thermostat 7-10 degrees from its standard setting for 8 hours a day. Taking advantage of when people are out of the house can ensure comfort isn’t sacrificed.
Make Small Adjustments
One of the biggest misconceptions about air conditioners is how to operate the thermostat. When homeowners adopt the strategy of allowing the home to warm up during the day to save money, there is a temptation to crank the thermostat down in the evening to cool things off faster.
The truth is the air conditioner is constantly cooling as fast as it can, so setting the thermostat at a much lower temperature to cool the house faster will not work. It will only put unnecessary wear and tear on the system and raise energy bills. Making small adjustments is easier on the machinery, and it prevents the opportunity for someone to forget to adjust the thermostat back, wasting energy and defeating the purpose altogether.
Simplify the Process With Smart Thermostats
Adjusting the thermostat manually every day can be a hassle, and it allows for human error. Instead, take the thought and effort out of the process. Installing a new smart thermostat can help homeowners adopt these energy-saving strategies without the risk of forgetting to make adjustments and inadvertently wasting money.
Smart thermostats can be installed to control any air conditioning system. They are equipped with state-of-the-art technology that can do all the hard work to save money on cooling costs while keeping the home comfortable without the homeowner's input. Saving money and enjoying a comfortable home are easily achievable goals with a smart thermostat.
About Swick Home Services
Swick Home Services has over 40 years of local experience serving Marquette and the surrounding communities. They provide 24/7 support, a price match guarantee, and a Gold Star Service Plan. Call them today for heating and air conditioning services in Marquette, MI.
