The Thermostat Battle – Energy Saving Solutions
Thermostat Battles
If one person in your home is comfortable at 72 degrees, and another is comfortable at 78 degrees, you might have a thermostat battle on your hands. Beyond keeping peace in the household, your thermostat setting can affect how you use, and pay for energy. When summer comes to Florida, it arrives with a warm breeze. That’s when our air-conditioners really get to work, consistently cooling our homes not only for our own comfort, but for the overall maintenance of our homes. When its very hot outside, your energy costs are going to increase. So what can you do to keep costs down? Here are some common sense tips, recommended by Florida Power and Light, to save energy in your home.
Set Your Thermostat
- Optimize your thermostat by setting your thermostat to 78 degrees or the highest temperature where you can still be comfortable while you are home and 82 degrees when you’re away. Each degree you raise your thermostat between 75 to 78 degrees can save you 3-5% on your monthly cooling costs. That’s a lot when cooling makes up approximately 60% of your bill!
- Block heat by closing blinds and drapes during the day to reduce indoor heat gain.
- Use fans wisely. Ceiling fans can make you feel cooler while using less energy than air conditioning. Set them to spin counterclockwise in summer and turn them off when you leave the room.
- Reduce heat production by avoiding the oven; instead opt for grilling, microwaving or stovetop cooking instead
- Use efficient lighting by replacing incandescent bulbs with LED bulbs, which generate less heat and energy. Replacing just 5 incandescent lightbulbs with LED ones, can save you about $40 a year. LEDs can save up to 85% off your lighting energy costs and last 15 times longer.
Time of Use Programs
There are programs that advise you how to lower your utility costs by using power at off peak times. In other words, if you’re a night owl, do your laundry after 11 pm for maximum savings. Most people are using more power during the daylight hours. Some energy companies offer “time of use” programs that require enrollment. Check with your local provider to find out what cost saving programs are offered in your area.
Phantom Power – UNPLUG
Do you unplug lights and power strips when you aren’t using them? Did you know your TV is using power, even when you’re not watching it? It uses phantom or standby power so it’s ready to go when you pick up the remote. Your cable box uses a lot of phantom power, followed by your computer, followed by your coffee pot. We love the convenience phantom power provides but we’re paying for it. So unplugging things when they aren’t in use – saves power and money.
If you are the owner of a new construction, Holiday Builders’ home, you’re ahead of the game. Energy-star rated appliances, new HVAC systems, smart thermostats, and tightly sealed windows and doors all go a long way toward energy savings. Holiday Builders has been building new homes in Florida for 43 years. Learn about floorplans, communities, warranties and more at HolidayBuilders.com.
Tags: Energy savings, lower electric bills, new homes, summer energy savings, thermostat battles, utility costs
