We all like saving money on our monthly utility bills, but it turns out there’s a way to lower energy use, even when you’re not even home.

The key is your thermostat. By using automatic schedules, you can structure its daily schedule around your personal preferences. You can create a number of automated temperature settings for when you’re home, away or even when you’re asleep.

By trying a few of these schedules, 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 comfortable temperatures. It’s only natural to want your thermostat lower in the summer while you are in the house to make the most of the cool air.

But the ideal temperature for when you’re in your home during the summer is in fact anywhere between 78 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. With this adjustment, you’ll avoid the worst of summer while still keeping your energy bills low.

While Gone

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

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 when you or a family member return. This way, your air conditioning system isn’t working around the clock to keep an empty house cool.

While Asleep

For a full night’s rest during summer weather, you want your thermostat set at a comfortable temperature. You should try and keep things between 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit. This will keep you from getting too hot or too cold while you’re trying to sleep.

Other Ways to Use Less Energy:

  • Put in a smart thermostat: Switching to a smart thermostat in the summer is an excellent way to reduce energy costs by automatically adjusting to your lifestyle and idea of what comfortable is. A smart thermostat manages the temperature if you are home or sleeping, while allowing it to get warmer 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. Planning smart thermostat installation in your Bryan home can be the simplest strategy for maintaining comfortable, yet energy-efficient temperatures even when you aren’t home.
  • Update your existing HVAC system: Upgrading your HVAC system is another great option for long-term energy savings. With greater energy efficiency, lower utility bills won’t be far behind since it requires less energy to achieve comfortable temperatures. Air conditioning installation in Bryan is a breeze for experienced professionals like Superior Air Repair.
  • Schedule annual AC maintenance: Investing in or ignoring regular air conditioning maintenance in Bryan can have a significant impact on your utility bills. If you stay on top of cleaning key components like the coils, checking for damage and keeping vents clear of dust and debris, this can help your HVAC system run more efficiently. Increasing efficiency also limits strain on key parts and lowers operational costs, lowering total energy use and eventually the total monthly bill.
  • Clean or replace the air filter on a regular basis: 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 strain can reduce the system’s life span and result in breakdowns.
  • Confirm your attic is sufficiently insulated: Insulation is a crucial component for 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 install at least 13-14 inches of insulation, while those in northern U.S. states should have 16-18 inches.
  • Check your air ducts: Leaky ductwork can raise 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. Watching for signs of leaks and sealing them can fix both of those problems.
  • 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. You should also 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.