In Annapolis, Maryland, the hot, humid summers are a lot more enjoyable when you have a cool, comfortable home. When temperatures spike, energy costs often skyrocket as well. Here are some ways you can use your thermostat to help keep your bills in check as temperatures rise:
Choose Your Temperature Wisely
When it’s hot and humid outside, it’s tempting to turn your home into an ice box. This strategy doesn’t work well if you want to avoid high utility bills. The cooler the temperature is in your home, the harder it is for the system to maintain it on a hot day.
Try to set your air conditioner for a temperature that’s as close to the outside temperature as possible without compromising comfort. For example, if it’s 85 degrees and humid outside, set your system to 78 degrees. When your home temperature is closer to the outside temperature, it slows the flow of heat into your home.
In addition to the more pleasant temperature, your AC system will help you feel more comfortable due to its ability to cut the humidity in your home. The closer your home temperature is to the outside temperature, the more money you’ll save.
Use a Programmable Thermostat
Installing a programmable thermostat can help you save money by regulating the temperature in your home while you’re away. When you set your home’s temperature 7 to 10 degrees warmer for eight hours per day, you can save 10 percent on your air conditioning costs. Instead of coming home and setting the system to suddenly cool it to your desired temperature, the system can achieve it in a more gradual and efficient way.
If you need air conditioning service, contact Coastal Heating & Air Conditioning Co., Inc. at 410-919-0110. We can help you avoid high energy bills during temperature spikes.
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