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Let Your Thermostat Do the Work
Posted On: April 13, 2020
In general, the smaller the difference between the temperatures inside and outside your home, the lower your electricity bill will be. A programmable thermostat can be very helpful in creating consistent settings for your home, and a smart thermostat that can be controlled from your smartphone can offer even more convenience and energy savings. The following tips can be used to optimize your home’s thermostat temperature in any situation this summer.
When You’re Home During the Day
For energy efficiency and lower electricity bills, set your thermostat to 76 to 78 degrees Fahrenheit when you’re home during the day. You can also use a ceiling fan set to rotate counterclockwise when you’re in a room to create a wind chill effect. If it’s still just too hot for you, inch your settings down from there to find a temperature you and your family are comfortable in.
When You Leave for a Short Period of Time
If you leave your home for a few hours, go ahead and bump up your thermostat a bit (to no more than 80 degrees) to save some energy in warmer weather. When you get back home, it won’t take your air conditioner too long to get the temperature down to a more comfortable range. To avoid energy spikes, don’t drop or increase your thermostat more than 4 degrees in a short period of time.
When You Leave for a Long Period of Time
When you’re gone for an extended period of time, there’s really no need to cool your home. The U.S. Department of Energy suggests setting your thermostat between 85 and 90 degrees to save money during the summer when you’re away. Prior to leaving, make sure to properly store food and medications so they don’t spoil. Note: If you’re leaving your pet at home, make sure to maintain your regular temperature setting for its safety and comfort. Here’s a good rule of thumb: If it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for your pet.
When You’re Sleeping
The National Sleep Foundation recommends a temperature between 60 and 67 degrees for optimal sleep. In summer, the higher in that range you can sleep comfortably, the less your air conditioner will have to work. For even more savings, try sleeping with the windows open and completely turning off your A/C.