It’s always nice when we manage to save money on our utility bills, but it turns out there’s a way to do it when you aren’t even home.

It starts with 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 sleeping.

If you’re willing to make these adjustments, you can enjoy comfy temperatures while keeping more money in your pocket. Here are some ways your thermostat can save you money in the summer:

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 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. This way, you’ll avoid the worst of summer while keeping your energy bill more manageable.

While Gone

When it comes to 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 and then lower 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 cool an empty house.

While Sleeping

To enjoy a good night’s sleep during the summer, you want your thermostat set at a comfortable temperature. A good rule of thumb is between 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit. You won’t have to worry about getting too hot or too cold at some point overnight.

Additional Ways to Reduce Energy Use:

  • Put in a smart thermostat: Trying a smart thermostat in the summer helps save money on energy costs by automatically adjusting to your lifestyle and personal preferences. It’ll take care of making changes while you are home or sleeping, while allowing it to get a little warmer when no one is home. With reliable brands 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 Brookfield home can be the simplest strategy for maintaining comfortable, yet energy-efficient temperatures whether you’re at home or across the country.
  • Upgrade your HVAC system: A new HVAC system saves money right from the start. By investing in a more energy-efficient system, you can also count on lower utility bills since more efficient equipment requires less energy to achieve comfortable temperatures. Air conditioning installation in Brookfield is a breeze for experienced professionals like Central Air LLC.
  • Keep up with AC maintenance: Hiring a skilled professional to perform regular air conditioning maintenance in Brookfield can have a big impact on your monthly energy use. With regular cleaning of the coils, checking for damage and clearing ventilation of dust and debris, you may notice your HVAC system run more efficiently. More efficient operation reduces strain on key parts 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: A regular schedule for cleaning or replacing the HVAC system’s air filter saves money by helping air flow efficiently through your air conditioner. When filters become clogged, an AC unit has to work harder, and this greater strain could shorten the system’s life span and lead to breakdowns.
  • Verify your attic has enough insulation: Insulation is a vital part of maintaining an 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 possess at least 13-14 inches of insulation, while colder climates do better with 16-18 inches.
  • Review your ductwork: A leak in the air ducts could increase 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 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 can help keep it cooler on hot summer days. You should also check for any gaps around windows, doors and even outdoor fixtures. Making time to seal leaks now can help you save a lot in the long term.