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 learning more about its special features and settings, you can structure its daily schedule around your personal preferences. That means you can have different temperature settings for when you’re home, away or even when you’re sleeping.

By trying a few of these schedules, you can enjoy comfy temperatures while keeping more money in your pocket. Here are some ways your thermostat doesn't have to use up all your summer spending money:

While at Home

Pretty much whenever you're home, you want comfortable temperatures. That’s why it’s best to set your thermostat lower in the summer while inside to make the most of the cool air.

But the most energy-efficient temperatures for the summer is usually between 78 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. By adjusting things a few degrees, you'll keep cool while still lowering your monthly energy bill.

While Gone

When setting the temperature for a vacation or other trip away from the house, it's extremely common to move the thermostat higher than normal.

If your home is located somewhere a little cooler, you can set the thermostat to temperatures as high as 88 degrees while no one is home before lowering it back to the sweet spot of 78-80 degrees after you return. This way, your air conditioning unit won’t be working overtime to provide cooling for a bunch of empty rooms.

While Sleeping

For a full night's rest during summer weather, you want your thermostat set at a comfortable temperature. You should try and keep things between 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit. This will keep you from getting too hot or too cold while you're trying to sleep.

Additional Ways to Reduce Energy Use:

  • Put in a smart thermostat: Trying a smart thermostat in the summer helps save money on energy costs by automatically adjusting to your lifestyle and home environment. It'll take care of making changes while you are home or sleeping, before allowing it to get warmer when the house is empty. Using reputed brands and models such as the Lennox iComfort, you are able to adjust settings and schedules through your smartphone, tablet or laptop. Scheduling smart thermostat installation in your [siteinfo field="msa"] home can be the simplest strategy for maintaining comfortable, yet energy-efficient temperatures even when you aren’t home.
  • Upgrade your HVAC system: A high-efficiency HVAC system saves money right from the start. By investing in a more energy-efficient system, you can also count on lower utility bills since more efficient equipment requires less energy to achieve comfortable temperatures. Air conditioning installation in [siteinfo field="msa"] is only a phone call away, so don't hesitate to reach out to local pros like [siteinfo field="name"] who can set you up for success
  • Keep up with AC maintenance: Whether or not you keep up with regular air conditioning maintenance in [targetlocation] can have a serious effect on your total monthly energy use. With regular cleaning of the coils, checking for damage and keeping vents clear of dust and debris, this can help your HVAC system run more efficiently. Increasing efficiency also limits strain on key parts and lowers operational costs, lowering total energy use and eventually the total monthly bill.
  • Replace your air filter regularly: Regularly changing the air filters in your HVAC system saves money by helping air flow efficiently through your air conditioner. When filters are old and less effective, air conditioners have to work harder, and the added strain may impact the system’s life span and result in breakdowns.
  • Check if you have enough insulation in the attic: Insulation is a crucial component for 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 possess 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 throughout your home. Watching for signs of leaks and sealing them can address both concerns.
  • Seal all other leaky spots in your home: Finding and sealing any remaining leaks in your home with caulk, foam sealant or weather-stripping keeps temperatures a little cooler on hot summer days. You should also 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.