It's always nice when we manage to save money on our utility bills, but you should know there’s a way to keep costs down, even when you're out of the house.

The secret is your thermostat. By making the most out of your thermostat, you can tailor the temperature to your needs. You can create a number of automated temperature settings for when you’re home, away or even when you’re asleep.

By trying a few of these schedules, you have more time to enjoy pleasant temperatures while cutting down your energy bills. Check out our guide on how your thermostat can be a source of energy savings:

While at Home

Whenever you're at home, you want to enjoy a comfortable temperature. It's only natural to want your thermostat lower in the summer while you are in the house to appreciate the cool air.

But the most energy-efficient temperatures for when you're in your home during the summer is in fact anywhere between 78 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. With this adjustment, you can stay cool while still lowering your monthly energy bill.

While Away

If you're setting the temperature for when you are out of the house in summer, the majority of homeowners will set the thermostat higher than normal.

Depending on the local climate or your home's location, you can set the thermostat to temperatures as high as 88 degrees while no one is home before you adjust it back to the sweet spot of 78-80 degrees once you're home again. This way, your air conditioning unit won’t be working overtime to keep an empty house cool.

While Sleeping

To enjoy a good night's sleep during the summer, you want a nice cool temperature. You should try and keep things between 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit. There's less risk of getting too hot or too cold while you're trying to sleep.

Other Ways to Use Less Energy:

  • Smart thermostat installation: Using a smart thermostat in the summer can lower energy costs since it can plan your temperature adjustments according to your lifestyle and home environment. They can lower the temperature while you are home or sleeping, while allowing it to get warmer when no one is home. With models like the Lennox iComfort, you can adjust the temperature remotely through your smartphone, tablet or laptop. Planning smart thermostat installation in your [siteinfo field="msa"] home can be the simplest strategy for maintaining comfortable, yet energy-efficient temperatures whether you're at home or across the country.
  • Upgrade your HVAC system: Upgrading your HVAC system saves money right from the start. By investing in a more energy-efficient system, lower utility bills won't be far behind since it requires less energy to achieve comfortable temperatures. Air conditioning installation in [siteinfo field="msa"] is a great way to beat the heat in the summer
  • Schedule annual AC maintenance: Hiring a skilled professional to perform regular air conditioning maintenance in [targetlocation] can have a significant impact on your utility bills. By regularly cleaning the coils, checking for damage and clearing air vents of dust and debris, you may notice your HVAC system perform better during day-to-day use.. Higher energy efficiency will also reduce strain on key parts and lowers operational costs, resulting in lower energy usage and subsequently, smaller bills.
  • Clean or replace the air filter on a regular basis: Cleaning or replacing the air filter regularly saves money by keeping airflow as smooth and consistent as possible. When filters are clogged with dirt and debris, an AC unit has to work harder, and this greater strain could shorten the system’s life span and lead to breakdowns.
  • Confirm your attic is sufficiently insulated: Insulation is one of the key components in any energy-efficient home, keeping the hot air outside and the cool air inside through summer. The North American Insulation Manufacturers Association (NAIMA) recommends that homes in the southern United States should have at least 13-14 inches of insulation, while colder climates do better with 16-18 inches.
  • Check your air ducts: A leak in the air ducts could increase your energy bills much more than 20 percent, plus it can potentially allow harmful emissions from your water heater, clothes dryer and other appliances to get into the atmosphere of your home. Finding any leaks fast and sealing them can address both concerns.
  • Seal all other leaky spots in your home: Sealing leaky spots in your home with caulk, foam sealant or weather-stripping can help keep it cooler on hot summer days. It’s also important to check for any gaps around windows, doors and even outdoor fixtures. Taking the time to seal up any leaks now can help you save a lot over time.