We all like saving money on our monthly utility bills, but you should know 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 help the thermostat plan for your preferred temperatures. This means establishing various temperature settings for when you’re at home, away or even when you’re sleeping.

By trying a few of these schedules, you'll be able to enjoy comfortable temperatures while also keeping more of your money. 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 to enjoy a comfortable temperature. It's only natural to want your thermostat lower in the summer if you're indoors to make the most of the cool air.

But the most energy-efficient temperatures 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 lowering your monthly energy bill.

While Out of the House

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

If your home is in a shady spot in a cooler climate, you can set the temperature as high as 88 degrees while no one is home before lowering it back to the sweet spot of 78-80 degrees once you're home again. This way, your air conditioning unit won’t be working overtime to cool an empty house.

While Sleeping

When it comes to sleeping in the summer, you want a nice cool temperature. A good rule of thumb is between 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit. There's less risk of getting too hot or too cold at some point overnight.

Other Ways to Use Less Energy:

  • Smart thermostat installation: Using a smart thermostat in the summer helps save money on 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, before allowing it to warm up when no one is around. Using reputed brands and models such as the Lennox iComfort, you are able to adjust settings and schedules 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 no matter where you are.
  • Update your existing HVAC system: A new HVAC system saves money right from the start. With greater energy efficiency, your utility bills will be lower because it requires less energy to achieve comfortable temperatures. Air conditioning installation in [siteinfo field="msa"] is a great way to beat the heat in the summer
  • Stay on top of routine AC maintenance: Hiring a skilled professional to perform 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. Increasing efficiency also limits 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 keeping airflow as smooth and consistent as possible. When filters become clogged, your air conditioner will have to work harder, and the strain can reduce the system’s life span and lead to breakdowns.
  • Verify your attic has enough insulation: Insulation is one of the key components in any energy-efficient home, keeping 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.
  • Review your ductwork: Damage to the ventilation is capable of increasing your energy bills much more than 20 percent, plus it can also lead to problems with 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 up other leaks in your home with caulk, foam sealant or weather-stripping helps keep things cooler during those hot summer days. It’s also important to check for any gaps around windows, doors and even outdoor fixtures. Making time to seal leaks now can help you save a lot over time.