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

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 home, away or even when you’re sleeping.

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

While at Home

When you’re home, you want comfortable temperatures. That’s why it’s best to set your thermostat lower in the summer if you’re indoors to make the most of the cool air.

But the most energy-efficient temperatures for when you’re in your home during the summer is in fact anywhere between 78 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. This way, you can stay cool while still keeping your energy bills low.

While Out of the House

When setting the temperature for a vacation or other trip away from the house, the majority of homeowners will set the thermostat higher than you would if you were in the house.

For some homes, you can set the temperature 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 system isn’t working around the clock to keep an empty house cool.

While Sleeping

For a full night’s rest during summer weather, you want a nice cool temperature. A great place to start is between 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit. There’s less risk of getting too hot or too cold while you’re trying to sleep.

Other Ways to Use Less Energy:

  • Smart thermostat installation: Trying a smart thermostat in the summer can lower energy costs as it forms temperature schedules according to your lifestyle and personal preferences. It’ll take care of making changes while you are home or sleeping, while allowing it to warm up when no one is around. Using reputed brands and models such as the Lennox iComfort, you are able to adjust settings and schedules through your smartphone, tablet or laptop. Requesting smart thermostat installation in your Alliance home can be the simplest strategy for maintaining comfortable, yet energy-efficient temperatures whether you’re at home or across the country.
  • Upgrade your HVAC system: Upgrading your HVAC system can save money in the long run. 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 Alliance is a great way to beat the heat in the summer.
  • Schedule annual AC maintenance: Hiring a skilled professional to perform regular air conditioning maintenance in Alliance can have a significant impact on your utility bills. By regularly cleaning the coils, checking for damage and clearing ventilation of dust and debris, you may notice your HVAC system run more efficiently. More efficient operation reduces 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: Regularly changing the air filters in your HVAC system saves money by keeping airflow as smooth and consistent as possible. When filters are old and less effective, an AC unit has to work harder, and this greater strain could shorten the system’s life span and cause breakdowns.
  • Verify your attic has enough insulation: Insulation is one of the key components in any energy-efficient home, keeping the hot air outside and the cool air inside over 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 ventilation: A leak in the air ducts could increase 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. Checking your ductwork for leaks and sealing them can address both concerns.
  • Seal all other leaky spots in your home: Sealing up other leaks in your home with caulk, foam sealant or weather-stripping can help keep it cooler on hot summer days. It’s also important to check for any gaps around windows, doors and even outdoor fixtures. Making time to seal leaks now can help you save a lot over time.