Everyone’s always looking to save money on their utility bills, but you should know 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 tailor the temperature to your needs. This means establishing various 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 be a source of energy savings:

While at Home

Pretty much whenever you're home, you want a nice range of pleasant temperatures. That’s why it’s best to set your thermostat lower in the summer if you're indoors to make the most of the cool air.

But the ideal temperature for when you're in your home during the summer is usually between 78 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. By adjusting things a few degrees, you can stay cool while still keeping your energy bills low.

While Away

If you're setting the temperature for whenever you're gone, it's extremely common to move the thermostat higher than normal.

For some homes, 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 once you're home again. This way, your air conditioning won't have to work constantly to cool an empty house.

While Sleeping

To enjoy a good night's sleep during the summer, you want a nice cool temperature. A good rule of thumb 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: Using a smart thermostat in the summer helps save money on energy costs as it forms temperature schedules according to your lifestyle and personal preferences. A smart thermostat manages the temperature if you are home or sleeping, before allowing it to get a little warmer when no one is home. 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: A high-efficiency HVAC system is another great option for long-term energy savings. With greater energy efficiency, your utility bills will be lower because 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"]
  • Schedule annual AC maintenance: Hiring a skilled professional to perform regular air conditioning maintenance in [targetlocation] can have a big impact on your monthly energy use. If you stay on top of cleaning key components like the coils, checking for damage and keeping vents clear of dust and debris, you may notice your HVAC system perform better during day-to-day use.. Increasing efficiency also limits strain on key parts 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 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 over the 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 air ducts: 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. Finding any leaks fast and sealing them can help with both these issues.
  • Seal all other leaky spots in your home: Sealing leaky spots 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 over time.