Keep Comfortable and Save Energy Using These 4 Tips

Saving energy doesn’t have to mean sweating in the summer and freezing all winter. With the right thermostat, you can stay comfortable and save energy all year long. The U.S. Department of Energy says you can easily save 10 percent on your heating and cooling costs every year with programmable thermostats. Landlords tend to save even more. If you own properties and want to keep tenants comfortable without risking wasted energy, here are a few solutions.

1. Change Thermostat Operation

If you’re like most people, you probably keep your thermostat set at around the same temperatures every day. You can save $180 dollars or more per year by changing the way you use your thermostat. Turn your thermostat back seven to ten degrees from its normal setting for at least eight hours per day – while you’re at work or while you sleep. This simple change can save big bucks and save energy, especially if you live in milder climates.

2. Use Programmable Thermostats

Don’t trust yourself to choose the ideal thermostat setting for different temperatures and times of day? With a our smart thermostat, you don’t have to. Set your thermostat to automatically achieve different temperatures throughout the day or week. Then you don’t have to rely on your memory to change the thermostat before you leave the house – your preset schedule will kick in, alter the temperature according to your specifications, and save energy without you lifting a finger.

3. Know Which Temperatures Save Energy

Energy Star reports that the coolest you should ever set your thermostat for your home is 78 degrees Fahrenheit – and that’s only when you’re at home and awake. Any lower and you risk overworking your unit and wasting money. Energy Star recommends keeping your home at 85 degrees while you’re at work and 82 degrees while you sleep. Experiment with your thermostat. Change the temperature by one or two degrees, and see how it affects your energy bill that month.

4. Use Fans and Window Units

If the temperatures listed above seem too hot for your comfort, installing a ceiling fan or box fan can help you stay comfortable without burning too much energy. Fans create a wind-chill effect that can keep you cooler without having to adjust the thermostat. If humidity is an issue in your area, check that your home has proper ventilation to prevent moisture buildups. Crack a window to decrease humidity levels and keep your home cooler in the summer.

Saving energy doesn’t have to equal living in discomfort. Try these tips for a livable, affordable, and energy-efficient home