Everyone’s always looking to save money on their utility bills, but you should know there’s a way to do it when you aren’t even home.

The key is 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 home, away or even when you’re asleep.

If you’re willing to make these adjustments, you have more time to enjoy pleasant temperatures while also keeping more of your money. Take a look at a few ways your thermostat doesn’t have to use up all your summer spending money:

While at Home

Whenever you’re at home, you want to enjoy a comfortable temperature. For the most part, you probably have your thermostat lower in the summer if you’re indoors to make the most of the cool air.

But in terms of energy efficiency, the best range for the summer is in fact anywhere between 78 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. With this adjustment, you’ll keep cool while still keeping your energy bills low.

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.

Depending on the local climate or your home’s location, 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 when you or a family member return. This way, your air conditioning won’t have to work constantly to keep an empty house cool.

While Sleeping

To enjoy a good night’s sleep during the summer, you want your thermostat set at a comfortable temperature. A great place to start is between 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit. You won’t have to worry about getting too hot or too cold while you’re trying to sleep.

Additional Ways to Reduce Energy Use:

  • Smart thermostat installation: Using a smart thermostat in the summer is an excellent way to reduce energy costs as it forms temperature schedules according to your lifestyle and idea of what comfortable is. It’ll take care of making changes while you are home or sleeping, before allowing it to warm up when no one is home. With models like the Lennox iComfort, you have the ability to remotely access and change the temperature through your smartphone, tablet or laptop. Requesting smart thermostat installation in your Michigan City home can be the simplest strategy for maintaining comfortable, yet energy-efficient temperatures even when you aren’t home.
  • 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 heat and cool your home. Air conditioning installation in Michigan City is only a phone call away, so don’t hesitate to reach out to local pros like Paniccia Heating & Cooling who can set you up for success.
  • Keep up with AC maintenance: Hiring a skilled professional to perform regular air conditioning maintenance in Michigan City 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 clearing ventilation of dust and debris, you may notice your HVAC system perform better during day-to-day use.. Increasing efficiency also limits strain on the unit and lowers operational costs, leading to lower energy usage, which translates into lower energy bills.
  • Replace your air filter regularly: Cleaning or replacing the air filter regularly saves money by helping air flow efficiently through your air conditioner. When filters become clogged, your air conditioner will have to work harder, and the added strain may impact the system’s life span and lead to breakdowns.
  • Check your attic 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) 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.
  • Inspect your ventilation: A leak in the air ducts could increase 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. Checking your ductwork for leaks and sealing them can address both concerns.
  • Seal all other leaky spots in your home: Sealing leaky spots in your home with caulk, foam sealant or weather-stripping keeps temperatures a little cooler on hot summer days. It’s also important to 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 run.