How to reduce your energy bill
As the hot summer months approach, energy bills will become top of mind. With the heat rising, air conditioning units will be working hard to keep up, which can lead to higher electricity bills. However, with a few simple adjustments, you can reduce energy bills in the summer without sacrificing comfort. Here are some tips to help save energy and cash during the hot months ahead.
Set your thermostat wisely
One of the easiest ways to save energy during the summer is to adjust your thermostat setting. Setting it to 78°F can help you reduce energy usage by up to 10%. You can also program your thermostat to turn off the AC when you are not home or set it to a higher temperature when you are sleeping.
To make using your thermostat wisely as seamless as possible, Lennox systems can be paired with smart thermostats, which allow you to control the temperature of your home remotely. This means that you can adjust the temperature when you're away from home, so you're not wasting energy cooling an empty house. Lennox smart thermostats even have Smart Away™ Mode that learns your schedule and adjusts the temperature automatically to maximize energy savings. Smart Away™ Mode uses the GPS in your smartphone to detect when you're leaving, and automatically adjusts the temperature to a more energy-efficient setting. When you come home, Smart Away returns your system to its normal schedule and a more comfortable temperature. All of these features paired together help in reducing the energy bill for your home.
Lennox systems can also be installed with zoning capabilities, which allow you to control the temperature of different areas of your home independently. This means that you can cool only the rooms that you're using, rather than cooling your entire home to the same temperature. With Lennox zoning systems, you don’t have to waste energy by heating and cooling rooms that aren't in use. So you stay as energy smart as you do comfortable.
Learn more about how to unlock the full potential of Lennox heating and cooling systems while optimizing comfort and energy savings with the all-new Lennox S40 Smart Thermostat here.
Keep your AC unit maintained
To ensure that your air conditioning unit is running efficiently, it is important to keep it well maintained. Clean or replace your air filters every month to help your AC unit run smoothly. Make sure your unit is free of any debris and vegetation that may obstruct its airflow. Schedule an annual check-up with a preferred Lennox dealer to ensure that your unit is running at its peak performance.
To maintain optimal performance, make sure to trim shrubs, bushes, or branches back to at least 18 inches of clearance around your outdoor unit. Also, clearing away any grass clippings, leaves, foliage and other debris will prevent possible airflow obstructions. Finally, double check to make sure your HVAC unit is resting level on its concrete pad.
Reduce heat from appliances
Appliances such as ovens, stoves, and dryers generate heat that can make your home feel warmer. Try the following approaches to avoid adding heat into your home while using your appliances:
- Clean your appliances regularly: Dust and debris can build up on appliances and reduce their efficiency, causing them to work harder and generate more heat. Regular cleaning of appliances such as refrigerators, ovens, and dryers can help keep them running smoothly and reduce heat output.
- Choose energy-efficient appliances: Energy-efficient appliances are designed to use less energy and generate less heat, which can help keep your home cooler. Look for appliances with an ENERGY STAR rating, which indicates they meet strict energy efficiency guidelines. Lennox is proud to have many products with the ENERGY STAR label that meets or exceed federal guidelines for energy-efficient performance.
- Use appliances during off-peak hours: Running appliances during off-peak hours, such as early in the morning or late at night, can help reduce heat buildup in your home. This is because the ambient temperature is usually cooler during these times.
Use natural ventilation
If the temperature outside is cooler than inside in the evening, consider using natural ventilation. Open windows and doors to allow fresh air to flow through your home, creating a natural breeze that can help reduce the temperature inside.
Opening windows can also help with your Indoor Air Quality. By opening windows, fresh outdoor air can replace the stale indoor air, diluting and removing pollutants from the indoor environment. This can help improve IAQ, create a healthier and more comfortable living environment and save on electricity. However, it's important to note that the effectiveness of opening windows in improving IAQ can depend on several factors, such as the outdoor air quality, weather conditions, and the level of pollutants present indoors.
Install window coverings
Window coverings such as blinds, curtains, or shades can help block the sun's heat and reduce the temperature inside your home. They can also help insulate your home, keeping cool air in and hot air out.
Use energy-efficient lighting
Replace incandescent light bulbs with energy-efficient LED bulbs, which use up to 80% less energy and last longer. Also, try to turn off lights when they are not needed to further reduce your energy consumption.
Choose Your Lineup
Did you know there are alternatives to the traditional AC unit to cool your home efficiently? You can pair a heat pump with an air handler to achieve your degree of perfect air with a side of energy savings. Pairing your heat pump, that has the capability to heat and cool, with an air handler allows you to continuously maintain a slow circulation of air throughout your home, decreasing the amount of humidity in your home for improved indoor air quality and comfort.
Lennox has created the SL25XPV cold climate heat pump with Lennox TruHeat performance that provides a greater amount comfort when compared to traditional heat pumps. This means you can expect warmth similar to a traditional gas furnace with our cold climate heat pump in the winter, thanks to advancements in technology that allow heat pumps to provide effective, comfortable heat at lower temperatures than previously possible. Heat pumps also cool the home without the use of gas in the summer, helping save on electricity bills all year round. The U.S. Department of Energy recently recognized Lennox as first in the industry to develop a next-generation electric heat pump that can more effectively heat homes in northern climates relative to today’s models. Make sure to ask your preferred Lennox dealer about what option works best for your home!
Reducing energy bills during the summer months does not have to be a hassle. By making simple adjustments to your thermostat settings, keeping your AC unit well maintained, reducing heat from your appliances, and using natural ventilation, you can reduce your energy consumption and save on electricity. Implementing these tips can help you stay cool and comfortable while keeping your energy bills in check. Make sure to reach out to a preferred Lennox dealer to ensure that your unit is running at its peak performance this summer.
