Stay cool this summer with these energy-efficient tips

The following article about staying cool and saving energy is sponsored by Mountain Home Services.

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How AC use spikes in the summer impacts the power grid

As summer heats up across Utah, air conditioners are working overtime to keep us cool. But while that refreshing blast of cold air feels great, it also puts extra pressure on the power grid—and your wallet.

That’s why we’re sharing smart, simple ways to stay cool and save energy this season. Not only will you reduce your utility bills, but you’ll also help extend the life of your HVAC system and ease the strain on the grid. It’s a win for you and a win for the planet.

How to program your thermostat

The best way to control the temperature in your home is to use a programmable thermostat. Some thermostats even connect to apps on your phone, allowing you to adjust the settings remotely, even when you’re away from home, in case you forget to turn your AC off before leaving. 

Once you have a programmable thermostat, here are some tips to follow to cut down your energy usage: 

• Turn the temperature up by 10 degrees after everyone has left for the day. 
• Program a comfortable temperature to resume 30 minutes before the first person arrives home. 
• Avoid cranking the temperature down. It doesn’t cool your home faster and can waste energy as the temperature drops beneath your comfort zone. 
• Use alternative methods to cool down, such as using ceiling or box fans, or adjust your clothing to cool off before adjusting the thermostat. 
• Use the proper hold settings. For a short override, you can use the temporary hold setting. However, if you plan to be out of your home for a few days, use a permanent hold. The permanent hold will not resume your regular schedule until you reset it upon your return. 
• Install multiple thermostats to create a zoning system in your home. With independently acting thermostats, you can set the desired temperatures and programs to maintain comfortable temperatures throughout the home. 

The optimal temperature to save energy and stay cool

For optimal cooling and energy efficiency, the US Department of Energy recommends setting your thermostat to 78°F during the summer months. For some people, however, that may not be cool enough. 

To save on energy, once you’ve found a comfortable temperature, try increasing it by 4°F when you’re sleeping. Keep in mind that every degree above 72° F can save you up to 3% on cooling costs. Increasing your thermostat setting by 7°-10°F for 8 hours a day can save you up to 10% on your annual bills. 

Protecting your HVAC investment

As energy demands continue to rise and strain local power grids, your home’s electrical system becomes more vulnerable to sudden voltage spikes. These power surges can cause significant damage to sensitive and expensive appliances, particularly your HVAC system, which is one of the most critical and costly components in your home. 

To protect your HVAC investment, installing a whole-house surge protector offers an innovative, proactive solution. It acts as a shield for your entire electrical system, diverting excess voltage away from your HVAC and other essential electronics and helping to prevent unexpected breakdowns and costly repairs. It’s a small investment that can save you thousands in the long run.

Final tips to ensure you have a cool, efficient summer 

Finally, there are some easy maintenance tasks you can do yourself to promote efficient air conditioner operation. Follow these tips: 

• Change the air filter every 30-90 days. A clean air filter helps the air flow properly through the system and decreases strain. 
• Ensure your outdoor unit has sufficient space to breathe—trim any nearby foliage and clear debris from the surrounding area. 
• You can also shade your outdoor AC unit and add sealing to your windows and doors for better insulation.
• Adjust the fan setting from “on” to “auto” so that it only operates during cooling cycles. 
• Schedule preventative maintenance in the spring with a technician to ensure a successful cooling season. 

Conclusion

Starting in 2024, the highly experienced team of electricians at Master Electrical Service saw an opportunity to partner with the HVAC professionals at Mountain Air Conditioning & Heating to form a new home services business that could offer a broader range of services while maintaining the exceptional customer service both brands have become recognized for. That is why Master Electrical Services is now Mountain Home Services! 

Contact them today to see how you can benefit from their new offers and solutions for your HVAC, electrical, or plumbing needs.

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This is a sponsored article brought to you by KSL NewsRadio in conjunction with the advertiser. The advertiser paid a fee to promote this article and may have influenced or authored the content. The views expressed in this article are those of the advertiser and do not necessarily reflect those of KSL NewsRadio, its parent company, or its staff.