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.

It starts with your thermostat. By making the most out of your thermostat, you can tailor the temperature to your needs. That means you can have different temperature settings for when you’re at home, away or even when you’re asleep.

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 save you money in the summer:

While at Home

When you’re home, you want comfortable 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 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. With this adjustment, you’ll keep cool while keeping your energy bill more manageable.

While Away

If you’re setting the temperature for a vacation or other trip away from the house, it’s advantageous to set the thermostat higher than you would if you were in the house.

For some homes, you can set the thermostat to temperatures as high as 88 degrees while no one is home before lowering it back to the sweet spot of 78-80 degrees after you return. This way, your air conditioning unit won’t be working overtime to provide cooling for a bunch of empty rooms.

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 when you are trying to get some rest.

Additional Ways to Reduce Energy Use:

  • Smart thermostat installation: Using a smart thermostat in the summer can lower energy costs as it forms temperature schedules according to your lifestyle and home environment. They can lower the temperature while you are home or sleeping, while 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. Requesting smart thermostat installation in your Crown Point home is an effortless way to set the correct temperature no matter where you are.
  • Upgrade your HVAC system: A high-efficiency HVAC system is another great option for long-term energy savings. By investing in a more energy-efficient system, your utility bills will be lower because it requires less energy to achieve comfortable temperatures. Air conditioning installation in Crown Point 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 Crown Point can have a big impact on your monthly energy use. With regular cleaning of the coils, checking for damage and clearing air vents of dust and debris, you may notice your HVAC system perform better during day-to-day use.. Higher energy efficiency will also reduce strain on key parts and lowers operational costs, lowering total energy use and eventually the total monthly bill.
  • Replace your air filter regularly: A regular schedule for cleaning or replacing the HVAC system’s air filter saves money by keeping airflow as smooth and consistent as possible. When filters are old and less effective, air conditioners have to work harder, and the strain can reduce the system’s life span and cause breakdowns.
  • Verify your attic has enough insulation: Insulation is one of the key components in any energy-efficient home, securing 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 have 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 to get into the atmosphere of your home. Finding any leaks fast and sealing them can help with both these issues.
  • Seal all other leaky spots in your home: Sealing up other leaks 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. Taking the time to seal up any leaks now can help you save a lot over time.