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

The secret is your thermostat. By using automatic schedules, you can help the thermostat plan for your preferred temperatures. That means you can have different temperature settings for when you’re at home, away or even when you’re asleep.

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

Whenever you're at home, you want to enjoy a comfortable temperature. It's only natural to want your thermostat lower in the summer while you are in the house to appreciate 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. By adjusting things a few degrees, you can stay cool while keeping your energy bill more manageable.

While Away

When it comes to setting the temperature for when you are out of the house in summer, it's extremely common to move the thermostat higher than normal.

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 you adjust 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. This will keep you from getting too hot or too cold when you are trying to get some rest.

Other Strategies for Lowering Energy Use:

  • Put in a smart thermostat: Trying 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, before allowing it to get a little warmer when the house is empty. With reliable brands like the Lennox iComfort, you can adjust the temperature remotely 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 even when you aren’t home.
  • Replace current equipment with a newer HVAC system: A new HVAC system saves money right from the start. With greater energy efficiency, lower utility bills won't be far behind since it requires less energy to heat and cool your home. Air conditioning installation in [siteinfo field="msa"] is a great way to beat the heat in the summer
  • Schedule annual AC maintenance: Whether or not you keep up with regular air conditioning maintenance in [targetlocation] 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 perform better during day-to-day use.. Increasing efficiency also limits strain on important or delicate components and lowers operational costs, resulting in lower energy usage and subsequently, smaller bills.
  • Clean or replace the air filter on a regular basis: Cleaning or replacing the air filter regularly 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 the added strain may impact the system’s life span and result in breakdowns.
  • Verify your attic has enough insulation: Insulation is a vital part of maintaining an energy-efficient home, keeping 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 install at least 13-14 inches of insulation, while colder climates do better with 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 also lead to problems with 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 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. You should also 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.