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

The secret is your thermostat. By using automatic schedules, you can structure its daily schedule around your personal preferences. This means establishing various temperature settings for when you’re at home, away or even when you’re asleep.

By trying a few of these schedules, you can enjoy comfy temperatures while also keeping more of your money. Take a look at a few ways your thermostat can save you money in the summer:

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 you are in the house to make the most of the cool air.

But in terms of energy efficiency, the best range for the summer is usually between 78 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. By adjusting things a few degrees, you can stay cool while still keeping your energy bills low.

While Gone

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

Depending on the local climate or your home’s location, you can set the thermostat to higher temperatures like 88 degrees while no one is home and then lower it back to the sweet spot of 78-80 degrees after you return. This way, your air conditioning system isn’t working around the clock to cool an empty house.

While Sleeping

To enjoy a good night’s sleep during the summer, you want a temperature that’s nice and cool. A great place to start is between 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit. There’s less risk of getting too hot or too cold at some point overnight.

Other Ways to Use Less Energy:

  • Install a smart thermostat: Using a smart thermostat in the summer is an excellent way to reduce energy costs by automatically adjusting to your lifestyle and idea of what comfortable is. They can lower the temperature while you are home or sleeping, while allowing it to get a little warmer when no one is around. With models like the Lennox iComfort, you are able to adjust settings and schedules through your smartphone, tablet or laptop. Scheduling smart thermostat installation in your Thedford home is an effortless way to set the correct temperature whether you’re at home or across the country.
  • Replace current equipment with a newer HVAC system: Upgrading your HVAC system can save money in the long run. By investing in a more energy-efficient system, your utility bills will be lower because it requires less energy to reach your preferred temperatures. Air conditioning installation in Thedford is a breeze for experienced professionals like Taylor's Heating & Air Conditioning.
  • Keep up with AC maintenance: Investing in or ignoring regular air conditioning maintenance in Thedford can have a serious effect on your total monthly energy use. By regularly cleaning the coils, checking for damage and clearing air vents of dust and debris, this can help your HVAC system run more efficiently. More efficient operation reduces strain on key parts and lowers operational costs, lowering total energy use and eventually the total monthly bill.
  • Replace your air filter regularly: 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, your air conditioner will have to work harder, and the strain can reduce 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 states further north need 16-18 inches.
  • Check your ductwork: 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. Watching for signs of leaks and sealing them can fix both of those problems.
  • 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 term.