Beat the Heat & Save: Smart Thermostat Settings for Summer

When You're Away

There's no need to cool an empty house to the same degree as when you're home. When you leave for work or vacation, consider raising your thermostat setting. A common recommendation is to set it 7-10 degrees higher than your usual comfort setting, for example, around 85°F (29°C).

• Don't Turn It Off Completely: While turning your AC off might seem like the ultimate saving strategy, it can lead to other problems. Your home can become excessively hot, putting more strain on your system to cool it down later, and potentially encouraging mold growth in humid climates.
• Pre-Cooling: If you have a smart thermostat, you can schedule it to begin cooling your home an hour or so before you arrive back, ensuring comfort without constant cooling throughout the day.

When You're Asleep

Many people prefer a cooler bedroom for sleeping. However, you don't necessarily need to blast the AC all night. Your body temperature naturally drops during sleep, and a slightly warmer ambient temperature might still feel comfortable, especially if you use light bedding and wear breathable sleepwear.

• Slight Adjustment: Consider raising your thermostat by a few degrees (e.g., to 80°F or 82°F) during sleeping hours. You might be surprised how little difference it makes to your comfort while saving energy.
• Fans Help: Using ceiling fans or portable fans in conjunction with a slightly higher thermostat setting can create a wind-chill effect, making you feel cooler without actually lowering the air temperature.

The Power of Programmable and Smart Thermostats

Manually adjusting your thermostat daily can be a hassle, which is where modern technology comes in handy. Programmable and smart thermostats are game-changers for summer savings.

• Programmable Thermostats: These allow you to set different temperatures for different times of the day and week. You can program a schedule that aligns with your family's routine – cooler when you're home, warmer when you're away or asleep.
• Smart Thermostats: Taking it a step further, smart thermostats learn your preferences, can be controlled remotely via a smartphone app, and some even integrate with home automation systems. Many offer energy reports, helping you identify areas for further savings. Some models even use geofencing to detect when you're approaching home and begin cooling automatically.

Beyond the Thermostat: Other Summer Saving Tips

While your thermostat is central, it's part of a larger ecosystem. To maximize your savings and comfort:

• Seal Air Leaks: Gaps around windows, doors, and in your ductwork can let cool air escape. Seal them with caulk or weatherstripping.
• Use Window Coverings: Close blinds, curtains, or shades during the hottest parts of the day to block direct sunlight and prevent heat gain.
• Regular HVAC Maintenance: A well-maintained AC system runs more efficiently. Schedule annual tune-ups to ensure your unit is clean and operating at peak performance.
• Use Fans: Ceiling fans can make a room feel 4-7 degrees cooler without significantly impacting your energy bill. Remember to turn them off when you leave the room, as they cool people, not spaces.
• Avoid Heat-Generating Appliances: Try to use heat-generating appliances like ovens, dishwashers, and dryers during cooler parts of the day (morning or evening) to avoid adding extra heat to your home.

By implementing these smart thermostat settings and complementary strategies, you can enjoy a comfortable summer without the shock of high energy bills. Small adjustments can lead to significant savings over the season, keeping both you and your wallet cool.