It's always nice when we manage to save money on our utility bills, but you should know there’s a way to do it when you aren’t even home.

It starts with your thermostat. By making the most out of your thermostat, you can help the thermostat plan for your preferred temperatures. That means you can have different temperature settings for when you’re home, away or even when you’re sleeping.

By trying a few of these schedules, you have more time to enjoy pleasant temperatures while also keeping more of your money. Check out our guide on how your thermostat can be a source of energy savings:

While at Home

Pretty much whenever you're home, you want a nice range of pleasant temperatures. It's only natural to want your thermostat lower in the summer while you are in the house to make the most of the cool air.

But the ideal temperature for when you're in your home during the summer is usually between 78 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. With this adjustment, you'll keep cool while still keeping your energy bills low.

While Gone

When setting the temperature for when you are out of the house in summer, it's extremely common to move the thermostat higher for while they're gone.

Depending on the local climate or your home's location, 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 won't have to work constantly to cool an empty house.

While Sleeping

For a full night's rest during summer weather, you want a temperature that's nice and cool. You should try and keep things between 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit. There's less risk of getting too hot or too cold while you're trying to sleep.

Additional Ways to Reduce Energy Use:

  • Smart thermostat installation: Trying a smart thermostat in the summer can lower 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 warmer when no one is around. Using reputed brands and models such as 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 [siteinfo field="msa"] home can be the simplest strategy for maintaining comfortable, yet energy-efficient temperatures even when you aren’t home.
  • Replace current equipment with a newer HVAC system: A high-efficiency HVAC system can save money in the long run. By investing in a more energy-efficient system, lower utility bills won't be far behind since it requires less energy to reach your preferred temperatures. Air conditioning installation in [siteinfo field="msa"] is a great way to beat the heat in the summer
  • Stay on top of routine AC maintenance: Whether or not you keep up with regular air conditioning maintenance in [targetlocation] 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 perform better during day-to-day use.. Increasing efficiency also limits strain on important or delicate components 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 helping air flow efficiently through your air conditioner. When filters become clogged, 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 through summer. The North American Insulation Manufacturers Association (NAIMA) suggests that homeowners living in southern climates should have at least 13-14 inches of insulation, while those in northern U.S. states should have 16-18 inches.
  • Check your ventilation: Damage to the ventilation is capable of increasing your energy bills much more than 20 percent, plus it can also lead to problems with your water heater, clothes dryer and other appliances to get into the atmosphere of your home. Watching for signs of leaks and sealing them can help with both these issues.
  • Seal all other leaky spots in your home: Finding and sealing any remaining leaks in your home with caulk, foam sealant or weather-stripping helps keep things cooler during those hot summer days. Don't forget to 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.