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 key is your thermostat. By making the most out of your thermostat, you can help the thermostat plan for your preferred temperatures. You can create a number of automated 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 also keeping more of your money. Here are some ways your thermostat can save you money in the summer:

While at Home

When you’re home, you want a nice range of pleasant temperatures. For the most part, you probably have your thermostat lower in the summer while you are in the house to make the most of the cool air.

But the most energy-efficient temperatures for the summer is in fact anywhere between 78 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. By adjusting things a few degrees, you’ll keep cool while still lowering your monthly energy bill.

While Out of the House

If you’re 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.

For some homes, 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 once you’re home again. This way, your air conditioning system isn’t working around the clock to cool an empty house.

While Sleeping

When it comes to sleeping in the summer, you want a nice cool temperature. You should try and keep things between 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit. There’s less risk of getting too hot or too cold while you’re trying to sleep.

Other Ways to Use Less Energy:

  • Put in a smart thermostat: Trying a smart thermostat in the summer can lower energy costs since it can plan your temperature adjustments according to your lifestyle and home environment. They can lower the temperature while you are home or sleeping, while allowing it to warm up when no one is home. With models like the Lennox iComfort, you are able to adjust settings and schedules through your smartphone, tablet or laptop. Scheduling smart thermostat installation in your Dresden 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 saves money right from the start. If a system boasts high energy efficiency, your utility bills will be lower because it requires less energy to heat and cool your home. Air conditioning installation in Dresden is only a phone call away, so don’t hesitate to reach out to local pros like McFadden Heating & Cooling who can set you up for success.
  • Schedule annual AC maintenance: Hiring a skilled professional to perform regular air conditioning maintenance in Dresden can have a big impact on your monthly energy use. By regularly cleaning the coils, checking for damage and clearing ventilation of dust and debris, this can help your HVAC system run more efficiently. 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: Regularly changing the air filters in your HVAC system saves money by improving airflow. When filters are clogged with dirt and debris, your air conditioner will have to work harder, and this greater strain could shorten the system’s life span and result in breakdowns.
  • Confirm your attic is sufficiently insulated: 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 possess at least 13-14 inches of insulation, while states further north need 16-18 inches.
  • Review your ductwork: Leaky ductwork can raise 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 fix both of those problems.
  • Seal all other leaky spots in your home: Finding and sealing any remaining leaks in your home with caulk, foam sealant or weather-stripping can help keep it cooler on hot summer days. You should also 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 in the long term.