We all like saving money on our monthly utility bills, but it just so happens there’s a way to do it when you aren’t even home.

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

With a few simple adjustments, you'll be able to enjoy comfortable temperatures while cutting down your energy bills. Here are some ways your thermostat doesn't have to use up all your summer spending money:

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 in terms of energy efficiency, the best range for the summer is in fact anywhere between 78 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. This way, you'll keep cool while still keeping your energy bills low.

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 you would if you were in the house.

For some homes, 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 once you're home again. This way, your air conditioning won't have to work constantly to cool an empty house.

While Sleeping

When it comes to sleeping in 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 at some point overnight.

Other Strategies for Lowering Energy Use:

  • Put in a smart thermostat: Using a smart thermostat in the summer can lower energy costs by automatically adjusting to your lifestyle and home environment. A smart thermostat manages the temperature if you are home or sleeping, before allowing it to get warmer when no one is around. Using reputed brands and models such as the Lennox iComfort, you can adjust the temperature remotely 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.
  • Update your existing HVAC system: A new 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 heat and cool your home. 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
  • Schedule annual AC maintenance: Whether or not you keep up with regular air conditioning maintenance in [targetlocation] can have a significant impact on your utility bills. If you stay on top of cleaning key components like the coils, checking for damage and clearing air vents of dust and debris, this can help your HVAC system perform better during day-to-day use.. More efficient operation reduces strain on key parts and lowers operational costs, leading to lower energy usage, which translates into lower energy bills.
  • Clean or replace the air filter on a regular basis: Regularly changing the air filters in your HVAC system saves money by helping air flow efficiently through your air conditioner. When filters are clogged with dirt and debris, air conditioners have to work harder, and the added strain may impact the system’s life span and cause breakdowns.
  • Verify your attic has enough insulation: Insulation is a vital part of maintaining an energy-efficient home, securing the hot air outside and the cool air inside during the summer. The North American Insulation Manufacturers Association (NAIMA) recommends that homes in the southern United States should install at least 13-14 inches of insulation, while colder climates do better with 16-18 inches.
  • Inspect 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. Finding any leaks fast and sealing them can help with both these issues.
  • Seal all other leaky spots in your home: Sealing up other leaks in your home with caulk, foam sealant or weather-stripping keeps temperatures a little cooler on hot summer days. Don't forget to check for any gaps around windows, doors and even outdoor fixtures. Devoting time and effort to sealing leaks now can help you save a lot in the long term.