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

It starts with your thermostat. By making the most out of your thermostat, you can structure its daily schedule around your personal preferences. You can create a number of automated temperature settings for when you’re at home, away or even when you’re sleeping.

By trying a few of these schedules, you can enjoy comfy temperatures while cutting down your energy bills. Check out our guide on how your thermostat doesn't have to use up all your summer spending money:

While at Home

Pretty much whenever you're home, you want to enjoy a comfortable temperature. It's only natural to want your thermostat lower in the summer while inside to appreciate the cool air.

But the most energy-efficient temperatures for the summer is usually between 78 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. By adjusting things a few degrees, you'll keep cool while keeping your energy bill more manageable.

While Away

When it comes to setting the temperature for a vacation or other trip away from the house, it's extremely common to move the thermostat higher for while they're gone.

If your home is located somewhere a little cooler, you can set the thermostat to temperatures as high as 88 degrees while no one is home and then lower it back to the sweet spot of 78-80 degrees after you return. This way, your air conditioning system isn't working around the clock to provide cooling for a bunch of empty rooms.

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 when you are trying to get some rest.

Other Strategies for Lowering Energy Use:

  • Install a smart thermostat: Trying a smart thermostat in the summer helps save money on energy costs by automatically adjusting to your lifestyle and home environment. It'll take care of making changes while you are home or sleeping, while allowing it to warm up when the house is empty. 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. Scheduling smart thermostat installation in your [siteinfo field="msa"] home is an effortless way to set the correct temperature whether you're at home or across the country.
  • Upgrade your HVAC system: A high-efficiency 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 heat and cool your home. Air conditioning installation in [siteinfo field="msa"] is only a phone call away, so don't hesitate to reach out to local pros like [siteinfo field="name"] who can set you up for success
  • 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. By regularly cleaning 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, lowering total energy use and eventually the total monthly bill.
  • Replace your air filter regularly: A regular schedule for cleaning or replacing the HVAC system's air filter saves money by improving airflow. When filters become clogged, air conditioners have to work harder, and this greater strain could shorten the system’s life span and lead to breakdowns.
  • Confirm your attic is sufficiently insulated: Insulation is one of the key components in any energy-efficient home, keeping 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 states further north need 16-18 inches.
  • Inspect your ductwork: 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 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. Making time to seal leaks now can help you save a lot in the long term.