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.

The key is your thermostat. By learning more about its special features and settings, 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.

By trying a few of these schedules, you have more time to enjoy pleasant temperatures while keeping more money in your pocket. Take a look at a few ways 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 if you’re indoors to make the most of 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 still lowering your monthly energy bill.

While Out of the House

When it comes to setting the temperature for when you are out of the house in summer, it’s advantageous to set the thermostat higher than you would if you were in the house.

If your home is in a shady spot in a cooler climate, 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 once you’re home again. This way, your air conditioning system isn’t working around the clock to provide cooling for a bunch of empty rooms.

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. This will keep you from getting too hot or too cold while you’re trying to sleep.

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 warmer when the house is empty. With models like the Lennox iComfort, you can adjust the temperature remotely through your smartphone, tablet or laptop. Scheduling smart thermostat installation in your Genoa home is an effortless way to set the correct temperature whether you’re at home or across the country.
  • Upgrade your HVAC system: A new 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 Genoa is only a phone call away, so don’t hesitate to reach out to local pros like Assured Appliance & Heating & Air who can set you up for success.
  • Stay on top of routine AC maintenance: Whether or not you keep up with regular air conditioning maintenance in Genoa 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, this can help your HVAC system perform better during day-to-day use.. Higher energy efficiency will also reduce strain on key parts and lowers operational costs, lowering total energy use and eventually the total monthly bill.
  • Replace your air filter regularly: A regular schedule for cleaning or replacing the HVAC system’s air filter 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 added strain may impact the system’s life span and result in breakdowns.
  • Check if you have enough insulation in the attic: Insulation is a vital part of maintaining an energy-efficient home, securing the hot air outside and the cool air inside over the summer. The North American Insulation Manufacturers Association (NAIMA) recommends that homes in the southern United States should possess at least 13-14 inches of insulation, while colder climates do better with 16-18 inches.
  • Inspect your air ducts: 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 to get into the atmosphere of your home. Checking your ductwork for 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. 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.