Florida summers are notoriously hot and humid. Your home can be the perfect refuge from the sticky heat, but the cost for keeping your home cool and comfortable can come at a high price. The answer to this dilemma is not to go without air conditioning, but to make a few slight adjustments instead. The temperature you set your thermostat at could play a big part in maximizing your family’s comfort and savings this summer.
Discovering Your Ideal Temperature Setting
You can save money on cooling costs by setting your thermostat at a slightly higher temperature. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends that you set your thermostat at 78°F when you are home. This temperature still helps you stay cool while reducing your electric bill because your air conditioner will run less.
You can save even more money by raising the temperature 7 to 10 degrees when you are not home. This temperature increase could help you cut 10% of your cooling costs. While the higher temperatures do make your home feel warmer, there are additional things you can do to help cool off your home.
Get a Smart Programmable Thermostat
With your busy life, it can be easy to forget to raise the temperature on your way out for the day. Upgrading your thermostat to a smart programmable model will help ensure that your thermostat is set at the right temperature at the right time. Some models even connect to your home’s Wi-Fi so that you can adjust the temperature remotely as needed.
Use Fans to Keep Air Circulating in Occupied Rooms Only
Ceiling fans do not cool your home. Instead, they are most effective at moving the air around you. If you are perspiring, the air movement can help dry perspiration, which makes you feel cooler. However, if you are running your fans in unoccupied rooms, you are wasting money on electricity. Only use your fans in occupied rooms.
Keep Your Air Conditioner Running as Efficiently as Possible
If your air conditioner is not taking in enough air, it will not run efficiently. A dirty or clogged air filter can impede the flow of air to your system. When this happens, your system will work harder to try to cool your home, which also causes your electric bill to go up. Check your filters each month and replace as needed.
Serving the Jacksonville Area for Five Decades
One of the most important things you can do to maintain your air conditioner and keep your energy costs low is have it professionally serviced before summer begins. Regular maintenance keeps your system running smoothly and more efficiently.
If you have not had your air conditioner serviced yet, it is not too late. In the Jacksonville area, contact Snyder Heating & Air Conditioning to schedule service today.
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