It’s always nice when we manage to save money on our utility bills, but it turns out there’s a way to lower energy use, even when you’re not even home.

It starts with your thermostat. By learning more about its special features and settings, you can structure its daily schedule around your personal preferences. This means establishing various temperature settings for when you’re home, away or even when you’re asleep.

With a few simple adjustments, you’ll be able to enjoy comfortable temperatures while also keeping more of your money. Check out our guide on how your thermostat can save you money in the summer:

While at Home

Pretty much whenever you’re home, you want comfortable temperatures. It’s only natural to want your thermostat lower in the summer while inside to appreciate the cool air.

But in terms of energy efficiency, the best range for when you’re in your home during the summer is actually around 78 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. This way, you can stay cool while still lowering your monthly energy bill.

While Out of the House

If you’re setting the temperature for a vacation or other trip away from the house, it’s advantageous to set the thermostat higher for while they’re gone.

For some homes, you can set the thermostat to temperatures as high as 88 degrees while no one is home and then lower it back to the sweet spot of 78-80 degrees when you or a family member return. This way, your air conditioning unit won’t be working overtime to cool an empty house.

While Asleep

For a full night’s rest during summer weather, you want a temperature that’s nice and cool. A good rule of thumb is between 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit. This will keep you from getting too hot or too cold when you are trying to get some rest.

Additional Ways to Reduce Energy Use:

  • Put in a smart thermostat: Switching to a smart thermostat in the summer helps save money on energy costs by automatically adjusting to your lifestyle and idea of what comfortable is. A smart thermostat manages the temperature if you are home or sleeping, before allowing it to warm up when the house is empty. Using reputed brands and models such as the Lennox iComfort, you can adjust the temperature remotely through your smartphone, tablet or laptop. Requesting smart thermostat installation in your Thedford home can be the simplest strategy for maintaining comfortable, yet energy-efficient temperatures even when you aren’t home.
  • Update your existing HVAC system: Upgrading your HVAC system is another great option for long-term energy savings. If a system boasts high energy efficiency, lower utility bills won’t be far behind since it requires less energy to achieve comfortable temperatures. Air conditioning installation in Thedford is a breeze for experienced professionals like Taylor's Heating & Air Conditioning.
  • Schedule annual AC maintenance: Investing in or ignoring regular air conditioning maintenance in Thedford can have a significant impact on your utility bills. With regular cleaning of the coils, checking for damage and clearing ventilation 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, 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 helping air flow efficiently through your air conditioner. When filters become clogged, your air conditioner will have to work harder, and the added strain may impact the system’s life span and lead to breakdowns.
  • Check your attic insulation: Insulation is one of the key components in any energy-efficient home, securing the hot air outside and the cool air inside during the summer. The North American Insulation Manufacturers Association (NAIMA) suggests that homeowners living in southern climates should install at least 13-14 inches of insulation, while colder climates do better with 16-18 inches.
  • Inspect your ventilation: Damage to the ventilation is capable of increasing your energy bills much more than 20 percent, plus it can affect equipment such as your water heater, clothes dryer and other appliances throughout your home. Finding any leaks fast 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 in the long run.