Everyone’s always looking to save money on their utility bills, but you should know there’s a way to do it when you aren’t even home.

The secret is your thermostat. By making the most out of your thermostat, you can structure its daily schedule around your personal preferences. This means establishing various temperature settings for when you’re at home, away or even when you’re sleeping.

With a few simple adjustments, you can enjoy comfy temperatures while keeping more money in your pocket. Take a look at a few ways your thermostat doesn't have to use up all your summer spending money:

While at Home

Pretty much whenever you're home, you want to enjoy a comfortable temperature. For the most part, you probably have your thermostat lower in the summer while inside to make the most of the cool air.

But in terms of energy efficiency, the best range for when you're in your home during the summer is actually around 78 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. With this adjustment, you'll keep cool while keeping your energy bill more manageable.

While Away

When setting the temperature for a vacation or other trip away from the house, 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 thermostat to higher temperatures like 88 degrees while no one is home before you adjust it back to the sweet spot of 78-80 degrees after you return. This way, your air conditioning unit won’t be working overtime to provide cooling for a bunch of empty rooms.

While Asleep

When it comes to sleeping in the summer, you want a temperature that's nice and cool. A good rule of thumb is between 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit. This will keep you from getting too hot or too cold when you are trying to get some rest.

Other Ways to Use Less Energy:

  • Put in a smart thermostat: Using a smart thermostat in the summer is an excellent way to reduce 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, before allowing it to warm up 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 [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 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 reach your preferred temperatures. Air conditioning installation in [siteinfo field="msa"] is a great way to beat the heat in the summer
  • Keep up with AC maintenance: Investing in or ignoring regular air conditioning maintenance in [targetlocation] can have a significant impact on your utility bills. With regular cleaning of 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.. Higher energy efficiency will also reduce strain on key parts and lowers operational costs, resulting in lower energy usage and subsequently, smaller bills.
  • Replace your air filter regularly: Regularly changing the air filters in your HVAC system saves money by improving airflow. When filters become clogged, an AC unit has to work harder, and the strain can reduce the system’s life span and cause breakdowns.
  • Check if you have enough insulation in the attic: Insulation is one of the key components in any 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 potentially allow harmful emissions from 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 term.