Everyone’s always looking to save money on their 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 learning more about its special features and settings, 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.

With a few simple adjustments, you have more time to enjoy pleasant temperatures while cutting down your energy bills. Here are some ways your thermostat can save you money in the summer:

While at Home

When you’re home, you want comfortable temperatures. It's only natural to want your thermostat lower in the summer while inside to make the most of the cool air.

But the ideal temperature for the summer is usually between 78 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. By adjusting things a few degrees, you'll avoid the worst of summer while still keeping your energy bills low.

While Gone

When it comes to setting the temperature for a vacation or other trip away from the house, it’s advantageous to set the thermostat higher for while they're gone.

If your home is located somewhere a little cooler, 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 won't have to work constantly to provide cooling for a bunch of empty rooms.

While Asleep

To enjoy a good night's sleep during the summer, 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 Strategies for Lowering Energy Use:

  • Put in a smart thermostat: Using a smart thermostat in the summer can lower energy costs as it forms temperature schedules according to your lifestyle and personal preferences. They can lower the temperature 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 [siteinfo field="msa"] home can be the simplest strategy for maintaining comfortable, yet energy-efficient temperatures whether you're at home or across the country.
  • Update your existing HVAC system: A high-efficiency HVAC system can save money in the long run. By investing in a more energy-efficient system, you can also count on lower utility bills since more efficient equipment requires less energy to achieve comfortable temperatures. Air conditioning installation in [siteinfo field="msa"] is only a phone call away, so don't hesitate to reach out to local pros like [siteinfo field="name"] who can set you up for success
  • Keep up with AC maintenance: Whether or not you keep up with regular air conditioning maintenance in [targetlocation] can have a big impact on your monthly energy use. By regularly cleaning the coils, checking for damage and clearing air vents of dust and debris, this can help your HVAC system perform better during day-to-day use.. More efficient operation reduces strain on the unit and lowers operational costs, lowering total energy use and eventually the total monthly bill.
  • Clean or replace the air filter on a regular basis: 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 old and less effective, air conditioners have to work harder, and this greater strain could shorten the system’s life span and result in breakdowns.
  • Verify your attic has enough insulation: Insulation is a crucial component for any energy-efficient home, keeping the hot air outside and the cool air inside through summer. The North American Insulation Manufacturers Association (NAIMA) offers an official recommendation stating homeowners in souther states should install at least 13-14 inches of insulation, while colder climates do better with 16-18 inches.
  • Inspect your ventilation: 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 keeps temperatures a little 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 in the long term.