Written on: July 4, 2022
With the price of everything from gas to groceries going up, along with soaring energy costs, we’re all looking for ways to keep our household expenses under control.
Now that summer has arrived, you’ll be using your home’s air conditioning more frequently. But you don’t have to let your energy costs soar! We have some tips for setting your thermostat that will help you keep cooling costs down without having to sacrifice comfort.
Small changes may add up to significant savings! How much? The U.S. Department of Energy says that adjusting your thermostat by 7° Fahrenheit for eight hours a day during the cooling season and 8° Fahrenheit for eight hours a day during the heating season can help you save up to 10% on your cooling and heating expenses!
If you think 10% doesn’t seem like much, don’t forget that cooling accounts for 40% to 50% of your energy expenses throughout the summer. It’s the most significant component of your energy costs.
The Department of Energy has instructions on how to adjust your thermostat to maximize your heating and cooling system’s efficiency while minimizing your energy costs.
Cooling season:
Heating season:
Programmable and intelligent thermostats are fantastic for keeping your cooling costs in check. However, you must use them correctly to get the most out of your air conditioning and cut your summer energy expenses.
Here’s how to set your programmable thermostat.
Program heat or A/C to shut off 20-30 minutes before you leave home each day; return them to normal comfort levels 20 to 30 minutes before you come home.
Program reductions in heating or cooling to begin 60 minutes before you go to sleep; return them to normal comfort levels 30 minutes before you awaken.
If you don’t have a programmable or smart thermostat, they’re readily available at your local home improvement store or online. Smart thermostats offer you the ability to monitor and control your HVAC system from your smartphone or tablet anywhere you have a WiFi or cellular connection. Some will even learn your family’s cooling and heating preferences and adjust your thermostat accordingly, and even notify you if your HVAC system needs service.
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