Best Ways to Save On Cooling Costs When No One Is Home
With many homeowners leaving their houses empty while at work or to spend time with family and friends during the warm summer months, there are a lot of questions surrounding ideal practices for making sure that homes are kept sufficiently cool without running up energy bills. This delicate balance between comfort and energy efficiency has homeowners walking a thin line between coming home to a pleasantly cool house and being shocked by a ridiculously high electricity bill.
While there may be many different ways to go about this, there are still tried and tested practices that remain true over time and others that may be relatively new but have proven to be game changers in the quest for energy efficiency and savings. Here are tips to save on cooling costs when no one is home.
Keep It Great at 78
When trying to figure out the perfect temperature to leave the thermostat on if residents will be out of the house, a good number to set it at is 78 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. At these temperatures, the air conditioner works enough to provide home comfort without unnecessarily using up valuable energy.
Setting the thermostat within this range prevents the indoor air temperature from shooting up too high when nobody is home, allowing homeowners to be comfortable when they return without using too much energy and causing high energy bills.
Avoid Large Temperature Fluctuations
Making large temperature fluctuations can damage an air conditioner and lead to increased energy bills. The sudden temperature changes put a strain on the system, causing it to work harder than necessary, leading to higher energy costs. Additionally, when someone turns up the thermostat too high for long periods to save money or lets temperatures drop quickly when they get home, they can cause wear and tear on the air conditioner, resulting in a need for costly repairs.
It’s best to make small adjustments in temperature throughout the day as needed rather than making large fluctuations to avoid this unnecessary expense and strain on the system. This is why 78 degrees is a good temperature to set the thermostat at when nobody is home. It is not a huge fluctuation in temperature, but enough to save energy. Keeping temperatures more consistent can help save energy costs and prevent wear and tear to keep the AC running smoothly.
Smart Thermostats Are Big Energy Savers
Modern technology has benefited homeowners in energy efficiency and saving money. Gone are the days when comfort would be compromised for energy savings or vice versa. Now, homeowners can install a smart thermostat for greater flexibility and control in setting temperatures. Smart thermostats also have the added benefit of tracking data on past thermostat settings and energy consumption, giving homeowners better insight into what temperature setting works best for them to save.
Smart thermostats can usually be connected to a smartphone app, allowing homeowners to monitor, set or tweak their home’s temperature settings no matter where they are. These advanced thermostats can also automatically adjust the temperature to help conserve energy and save on cooling costs. Homeowners can use them to create even more savings, especially if coupled with other energy-saving practices for the home.
About Mid Florida A/C
Mid Florida A/C is a family-owned and operated company serving Melbourne, FL, and the surrounding communities. They provide personalized service, extended warranties, and prompt arrival. Call them today for air conditioning services in Melbourne, FL.