The past few years have been difficult, but the new year offers opportunities to turn that around! So in the spirit of making 2022 as excellent as possible, the experts at Bounds Heating & Air have curated this list of tips and tricks to ensure you can save some extra money this year.
Tips and Tricks
Use the Optimal Settings
One excellent way to keep your energy bill low in the new year is by optimizing your thermostat’s settings so that your HVAC system doesn’t have to work too hard during the hot and cold seasons.
Summer Settings
While it is tempting to crank the air conditioner during a hot Florida summer, you can keep a little extra cash in your pocket by setting your home’s cooling system to 78 degrees Fahrenheit when you are home. If you and your family will be away from home for more than four hours or more, you can save even more by increasing your home’s temperature to 88 degrees Fahrenheit. While these settings won’t offer the same reprieve from the heat, they will still keep your home comfortable and your wallet fat.
Winter Settings
Florida’s moderate winters are not nearly as taxing on your HVAC system as the summer months, but you can still find some savings once the temperatures begin to cool. By setting your thermostat to 68 degrees Fahrenheit during the daytime, you can reduce the energy consumption of your heating unit, saving you some extra money this winter.
If you can’t stand the cold, try slowly dropping your settings one degree at a time, this should allow you to acclimate to colder temperatures while still reaping the money-saving benefits.
Turn the Temperature Down When You Aren’t Home
If you often leave home without adjusting your thermostat, you are leaving potential savings on the table. If you are going to be away from your house for more than 4 hours or are going to sleep, you should consider dropping your settings. According to a report from the U.S. Department of Energy, turning your thermostat down by 10 to 15 degrees for 8 hours a day can reduce your energy bill by as much as 15 percent annually.
Install a Smart Thermostat
If you often forget to adjust your thermostat’s temperature or find it to be a tedious task, a smart thermostat can be a worthwhile investment. Modern thermostats like the Nest learning thermostat can learn your schedule and save you money by automatically changing to a more energy-efficient temperature when you’re not home. According to a white paper from Nest, people saved an average of $131 to $145 a year by installing their learning thermostat.
If you’re looking to upgrade to a smart thermometer, the expert technicians at Bounds Heating & Air have you covered! Contact us online or give us a call at (352) 472-2761 to get your installation scheduled today!
