We all like saving money on our monthly utility bills, but it turns out there’s a way to lower energy use, even when you’re not even home.

It starts with your thermostat. By learning more about its special features and settings, you can tailor the temperature to your needs. This means establishing various temperature settings for when you’re home, away or even when you’re sleeping.

By trying a few of these schedules, you’ll be able to enjoy comfortable 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

When you’re home, you want comfortable temperatures. For the most part, you probably have your thermostat lower in the summer if you’re indoors to appreciate 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 keep cool while keeping your energy bill more manageable.

While Away

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

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 and then lower 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 cool an empty house.

While Sleeping

For a full night’s rest during summer weather, 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 while you’re trying to sleep.

Other Strategies for Lowering Energy Use:

  • Put in a smart thermostat: Switching to a smart thermostat in the summer helps save money on energy costs since it can plan your temperature adjustments according to your lifestyle and idea of what comfortable is. It’ll take care of making changes while you are home or sleeping, before allowing it to get warmer when no one is home. Using reputed brands and models such as the Lennox iComfort, you can adjust the temperature remotely through your smartphone, tablet or laptop. Scheduling smart thermostat installation in your Reinholds home is an effortless way to set the correct temperature no matter where you are.
  • Replace current equipment with a newer HVAC system: A high-efficiency HVAC system can save money in the long run. If a system boasts high energy efficiency, lower utility bills won’t be far behind since it requires less energy to achieve comfortable temperatures. Air conditioning installation in Reinholds is a breeze for experienced professionals like County Line Mechanical LLC.
  • Stay on top of routine AC maintenance: Hiring a skilled professional to perform regular air conditioning maintenance in Reinholds can have a significant impact on your utility bills. With regular cleaning of the coils, checking for damage and clearing ventilation of dust and debris, you may notice your HVAC system run more efficiently. More efficient operation reduces strain on the unit and lowers operational costs, leading to lower energy usage, which translates into lower energy bills.
  • Replace your air filter regularly: A regular schedule for cleaning or replacing the HVAC system’s air filter saves money by helping air flow efficiently through your air conditioner. When filters become clogged, air conditioners have to work harder, and the strain can reduce the system’s life span and cause breakdowns.
  • Check your attic 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) recommends that homes in the southern United States should have at least 13-14 inches of insulation, while those in northern U.S. states should have 16-18 inches.
  • Inspect your ductwork: 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 throughout your home. Watching for signs of leaks and sealing them can address both concerns.
  • Seal all other leaky spots in your home: Sealing leaky spots 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. Devoting time and effort to sealing leaks now can help you save a lot over time.