How can I decrease my summertime energy usage if I’m away from home during the day?
Lowering your energy usage is directly related to raising the setting on your thermostat. For every degree below the recommended 78° F, your cooling costs can increase to 5–7%. When you leave for work, raise your thermostat to around 81 to 82° and return it to 78° when you get home. Also, replace your air conditioning filters on a monthly basis, and close your curtains and blinds during the day to prevent solar heat from warming up your home.