We all like saving money on our monthly utility bills, but it just so happens there’s a way to keep costs down, even when you’re out of the house.

The key 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 home, away or even when you’re asleep.

If you’re willing to make these adjustments, you have more time to enjoy pleasant 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. That’s why it’s best to set your thermostat lower in the summer if you’re indoors to appreciate the cool air.

But the ideal temperature for the summer is in fact anywhere between 78 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. With this adjustment, you can stay cool while keeping your energy bill more manageable.

While Out of the House

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.

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 once you’re home again. This way, your air conditioning won’t have to work constantly to keep an empty house cool.

While Sleeping

To enjoy a good night’s sleep during the summer, you want a temperature that’s nice and cool. 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.

Other Ways to Use Less Energy:

  • Put in a smart thermostat: Switching to a smart thermostat in the summer can lower energy costs as it forms temperature schedules according to your lifestyle and home environment. A smart thermostat manages the temperature if you are home or sleeping, while allowing it to get warmer when no one is home. With models like the Lennox iComfort, you have the ability to remotely access and change the temperature through your smartphone, tablet or laptop. Scheduling smart thermostat installation in your Magnolia home can be the simplest strategy for maintaining comfortable, yet energy-efficient temperatures no matter where you are.
  • Replace current equipment with a newer HVAC system: A high-efficiency HVAC system saves money right from the start. With greater energy efficiency, 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 Magnolia is only a phone call away, so don’t hesitate to reach out to local pros like JTech Mechanical who can set you up for success.
  • Stay on top of routine AC maintenance: Investing in or ignoring regular air conditioning maintenance in Magnolia can have a serious effect on your total monthly energy use. If you stay on top of cleaning key components like the coils, checking for damage and keeping vents clear of dust and debris, you may notice your HVAC system run more efficiently. Higher energy efficiency will also reduce 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 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 this greater strain could shorten the system’s life span and lead to breakdowns.
  • Check if you have enough insulation in the attic: Insulation is one of the key components in any energy-efficient home, keeping the hot air outside and the cool air inside during the summer. The North American Insulation Manufacturers Association (NAIMA) offers an official recommendation stating homeowners in souther states should have at least 13-14 inches of insulation, while those in northern U.S. states should have 16-18 inches.
  • Review your ductwork: Damage to the ventilation is capable of increasing 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 fix both of those problems.
  • Seal all other leaky spots in your home: Sealing leaky spots in your home with caulk, foam sealant or weather-stripping helps keep things cooler during those hot summer days. You should also check for any gaps around windows, doors and even outdoor fixtures. Making time to seal leaks now can help you save a lot in the long run.