Everyone’s always looking to save money on their utility bills, but you should know there’s a way to lower energy use, even when you're not even home.

The key is your thermostat. By making the most out of your thermostat, you can structure its daily schedule around your personal preferences. 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 have more time to enjoy pleasant temperatures while cutting down your energy bills. Check out our guide on how your thermostat can be a source of energy savings:

While at Home

Pretty much whenever you're home, you want comfortable temperatures. It's only natural to want your thermostat lower in the summer while you are in the house to appreciate the cool air.

But the most energy-efficient temperatures for when you're in your home during the summer is in fact anywhere between 78 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. By adjusting things a few degrees, you can stay cool while keeping your energy bill more manageable.

While Gone

If you're setting the temperature for whenever you're gone, it’s advantageous to set the thermostat higher for while they're gone.

If your home is in a shady spot in a cooler climate, you can set the thermostat to temperatures as high as 88 degrees while no one is home and then lower it back to the sweet spot of 78-80 degrees when you or a family member return. This way, your air conditioning unit won’t be working overtime to cool an empty house.

While Sleeping

To enjoy a good night's sleep during the summer, you want your thermostat set at a comfortable temperature. You should try and keep things between 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit. You won't have to worry about getting too hot or too cold when you are trying to get some rest.

Other Strategies for Lowering Energy Use:

  • Smart thermostat installation: Switching to a smart thermostat in the summer helps save money on energy costs by automatically adjusting to your lifestyle and personal preferences. It'll take care of making changes while you are home or sleeping, before allowing it to get warmer when no one is around. Using reputed brands and models such as the Lennox iComfort, you have the ability to remotely access and change the temperature through your smartphone, tablet or laptop. Scheduling smart thermostat installation in your [siteinfo field="msa"] home is an effortless way to set the correct temperature even when you aren’t home.
  • Update your existing HVAC system: Upgrading your HVAC system is another great option for long-term energy savings. By investing in a more energy-efficient system, lower utility bills won't be far behind since it requires less energy to reach your preferred temperatures. Air conditioning installation in [siteinfo field="msa"] is a breeze for experienced professionals like [siteinfo field="name"]
  • Keep up with AC maintenance: Investing in or ignoring regular air conditioning maintenance in [targetlocation] can have a serious effect on your total monthly energy use. If you stay on top of cleaning key components like the coils, checking for damage and clearing ventilation of dust and debris, you may notice your HVAC system run more efficiently. Higher energy efficiency will also reduce strain on the unit 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 helping air flow efficiently through your air conditioner. When filters become clogged, your air conditioner will have to work harder, and this greater strain could shorten 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) offers an official recommendation stating homeowners in souther states should possess at least 13-14 inches of insulation, while colder climates do better with 16-18 inches.
  • Check 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 to get into the atmosphere of your home. Checking your ductwork for leaks and sealing them can address both concerns.
  • 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. You should also check for any gaps around windows, doors and even outdoor fixtures. Taking the time to seal up any leaks now can help you save a lot in the long run.