Here are several tips to help you maximize the use of your air conditioning system. These include: Setting the thermostat to a comfortable setting; Using a programmable thermostat; Ventilating your home; and keeping air supply vents clean and unobstructed. You can also turn your air conditioner on automatically, adjusting the temperature to five degrees and reducing fan settings. You’ll be glad you did!
Setting the Thermostat
The most comfortable temperature for you will differ depending on your lifestyle. During the day, you will be happiest if the air temperature is slightly cooler than usual. However, the colder the air, the more relaxed and restful you will be. Most adults set their thermostats to 71 degrees Fahrenheit for both day and night. On the other hand, infants and the elderly will find it more uncomfortable if the air temperature is too high.
The ideal temperature for you to set the thermostat is 78 degrees Fahrenheit during the Summer heat and 68 degrees during the winter. You can always increase or lower the thermostat to your preferred level. Also, consider the humidity level of your home and your sleeping schedule. This way, you’ll be able to adjust your air-conditioning system accordingly. When setting the thermostat, keep in mind the temperature of seasonal clothes and other temperature-sensitive items.
Despite what the government says, adjusting the thermostat just one degree can help you save up to 5-15% on your home’s electricity bill. You can also adjust the temperature of your air conditioner during the night to keep your home comfortable. However, you can adjust the temperature to four degrees higher than the temperature that is ideal for your sleeping. The best temperature for your sleeping is sixty-six to seventy degrees Fahrenheit.
Using a Programmable Thermostat
Using a programmable thermostat to regulate the temperature in your home is one way to save money and protect your HVAC system. You can set the temperature when you are away from home to be higher and lower when you return home. This will prevent your HVAC system from overworking and causing unnecessary repair bills. Another benefit of a programmable thermostat is that it helps protect the environment, as it does not use mercury or other toxic substances.
The first step in programming your programmable thermostat is to decide on your daily schedule. Consider the time of day that you usually sleep and wake up. Set your thermostat to a time when you are most comfortable in your home. If you have a schedule that does not include these times, you should set the temperature a few degrees higher than you actually need. If you have an irregular schedule, you should adjust the thermostat’s schedule accordingly.
Another way to save energy and money is to make changes to your heating and cooling schedule. The best way to do this is to install a programmable thermostat on an interior wall. Make sure it is far from drafts. Also, use a heat pump, which will save you money year-round, since it is able to cool your home without electricity. But remember that programmable thermostats are not a substitute for sensible heating practices.
Ventilating Your Home
Modern homes are not as drafty as houses constructed 75 years ago, making ventilation a bit more difficult. However, you can choose to open windows to improve the exchange of air throughout your home. In fact, it’s better to have windows open than to have no windows at all. Here are some tips to help you ventilate your home when using air-conditioning:
It’s important to keep the supply vents in your house clear of snow and other debris. They supply air and heat to your rooms, so keep them free of debris. If you find them clogged, you can manually clean them or replace them. Make sure to keep the airflow through the vents roughly equal throughout the entire system. Once the vents are clear, you can start using your air conditioner or furnace.
Planting Trees
Regardless of whether you plan to install central air conditioning or install a window unit, the best way to save money on energy bills is by planting trees. Deciduous trees with a wide spread provide the best shade for the summer months. The south side of your house will benefit from a broader tree, but be sure to place it at least half its mature width away from the house. A southern-facing tree will provide shade and protect your home from the lower afternoon sun, too.
In addition to improving the look of your home, planting trees will also reduce your energy bill. Trees block the sun’s rays and give off water vapor, which cools the air. The best trees to plant for shade will depend on how much shade you want, the size of your yard, and how much sunlight you receive. Trees in a southern-facing yard will produce the most shade, while those in the southwest will provide the most cooling.
If you’re planning to plant trees in your yard, you should carefully consider the size of your house before choosing a species. Trees planted too close to the house can damage the roof and plumbing, so be sure to choose the right ones. You’ll want to leave about ten to twenty feet between your home and the trees, and keep them pruned as they grow. This way, you’ll have more space to enjoy your outdoor space.
Changing the Thermostat When You Leave the House
Changing the thermostat when you leave the house can save you money and energy. Changing it frequently wastes energy and causes unnecessary wear and tear on your thermostat and HVAC system. Changing it every few hours can save you between five to fifteen percent on your energy bill every year. To make it even easier, you can program your thermostat to change the temperature every time you leave the house. Changing it after you’ve been away for eight hours is the most efficient way to lower your energy bills.
Changing the thermostat when you leave the house is the simplest way to lower your utility bills. The best temperature for your home is the one that you feel comfortable in. Setting the thermostat to a higher temperature when you’re not home can waste energy and money. To reduce your energy bills, you should set your thermostat as close to the outdoor temperature as possible. This is called a setback temperature. While it might feel comfortable to you, it will save you money on your energy bill.
Changing the thermostat when you leave the house will help save energy in the summer. The temperature should be between 75 and 78 degrees when you’re home and a higher temperature when you’re away. You can install ceiling and portable fans to keep the house cooler at night. And, if you’re out of town for a couple of days, don’t forget to change the thermostat before you leave the house!
