Summer is here, and the heat runs smoothly. Many places in the US have seen the highest record even though the hottest months have not arrived. However, the heat is not the only source of discomfort for homeowners and tenants this summer. Energy bills jumped, with many people looking for ways to bring them down.
According to the US Energy Information Administration (EIA), electricity bills are usually at its peak in the summer. This year, they will increase further – as high as 45% higher in several states – due to inflation, high gas prices, and other factors. However, there are ways to reduce your energy use. You can turn off the lights, turn to LED tubers, and adjust your thermostat – which may be the most effective way to reduce energy consumption. Here are some ways of how you can use your thermostat to curb your utility bills in summer months.
It pays to increase the temperature
During the summer, your first instinct might be to reduce the temperature of the dial when you feel too hot. However, according to the US Energy Department, you might want to refrain from doing that. To save energy, they advise you to increase your thermostat settings 7 to 10 degrees warmer when you are not at home. If you do this for eight hours a day, you can save up to 10% on your energy bill. This can reach $ 83 a year for the average homeowner. Also, when you are at home, don’t refuse the temperature when you start to feel hot and thorny. You must always maintain a setting of around 78 ℉ if you want to save more energy. If you find the temperature too warm for your desires, you can use the sky -sky fan. They help circulate air, so you don’t need to rely solely on AC to stay cold.
Replace your regular thermostat with a smart one
Smart Thermostat is one of the best steps to cut the use of energy in your home. This programmed thermostat will automatically adjust the temperature settings in your home based on the information provided. Thermostats such as Nest Learning Thermostat can learn your routine and make a cooling and heating schedule for you. The best part is they are automatic and can walk alone. If you need to change the temperature settings manually, you can control it with an application, or with a sound assistant like Google Home or Alexa.
Savings can vary depending on several factors including climate, personal temperature preference, home size, and the thermostat brand. Energy Star says you can save 8% on heating and cooling bills or $50 a year when you use its smart thermostat. Google Nest claims that its device can take up to 15% off your bill.
There are other factors to consider
There are also other things that might affect how much energy your thermostat is saved. For example, the Department of Energy says that where you install your thermostats can determine air circulation. According to the experts, the best place to put the thermostat is on the interior wall, far from the door, heaven, or window. Avoid direct sunlight because it can cause thermostat to show temperature as warmer or cooler than actually.
You can also conduct an energy audit or home energy assessment to see how energy is used in your home. With an energy audit, you can learn the condition of your central air system and make sure your home is sealed correctly. You can rent a professional assessor to do the job, or you can do it yourself by walking through your home and conducting a basic DIY assessment.
