We all like saving money on our monthly utility bills, but it just so happens there’s a way to keep costs down, even when you’re out of the house.

The key is your thermostat. By using automatic schedules, you can tailor the temperature to your needs. That means you can have different temperature settings for when you’re home, away or even when you’re asleep.

With a few simple adjustments, you’ll be able to enjoy comfortable temperatures while keeping more money in your pocket. Take a look at a few ways your thermostat doesn’t have to use up all your summer spending money:

While at Home

Pretty much whenever you’re home, you want a nice range of pleasant temperatures. It’s only natural to want your thermostat lower in the summer if you’re indoors to appreciate the cool air.

But the most energy-efficient temperatures for the summer is usually between 78 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. With this adjustment, you’ll keep cool while still lowering your monthly energy bill.

While Gone

If you’re setting the temperature for when you are out of the house in summer, the majority of homeowners will set the thermostat higher than normal.

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 you adjust it back to the sweet spot of 78-80 degrees after you return. This way, your air conditioning won’t have to work constantly to keep an empty house cool.

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. This will keep you from getting too hot or too cold at some point overnight.

Other Ways to Use Less Energy:

  • Smart thermostat installation: Switching to a smart thermostat in the summer can lower energy costs by automatically adjusting to your lifestyle and idea of what comfortable is. They can lower the temperature while you are home or sleeping, while allowing it to warm up 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. Requesting smart thermostat installation in your Brookfield home can be the simplest strategy for maintaining comfortable, yet energy-efficient temperatures even when you aren’t home.
  • Upgrade your HVAC system: Upgrading your HVAC system is another great option for long-term energy savings. If a system boasts high energy efficiency, you can also count on lower utility bills since more efficient equipment requires less energy to heat and cool your home. Air conditioning installation in Brookfield 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 Brookfield can have a significant impact on your utility bills. By regularly cleaning 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 important or delicate components and lowers operational costs, leading to lower energy usage, which translates into lower energy bills.
  • Clean or replace the air filter on a regular basis: Cleaning or replacing the air filter regularly saves money by keeping airflow as smooth and consistent as possible. When filters are old and less effective, an AC unit has to work harder, and this greater strain could shorten the system’s life span and lead to breakdowns.
  • Check your attic insulation: Insulation is a vital part of maintaining an energy-efficient home, securing the hot air outside and the cool air inside during the summer. The North American Insulation Manufacturers Association (NAIMA) suggests that homeowners living in southern climates should install at least 13-14 inches of insulation, while colder climates do better with 16-18 inches.
  • Check 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 to get into the atmosphere of your home. Checking your ductwork for leaks and sealing them can fix both of those problems.
  • 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. Taking the time to seal up any leaks now can help you save a lot in the long term.