Everyone’s always looking to save money on their utility bills, but it just so happens there’s a way to lower energy use, even when you’re not even home.

The secret is your thermostat. By learning more about its special features and settings, you can structure its daily schedule around your personal preferences. 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. For the most part, you probably have your thermostat lower in the summer while inside 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 actually around 78 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. With this adjustment, you’ll avoid the worst of summer while keeping your energy bill more manageable.

While Out of the House

If you’re setting the temperature for whenever you’re gone, the majority of homeowners will set 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 you adjust it back to the sweet spot of 78-80 degrees once you’re home again. This way, your air conditioning system isn’t working around the clock to provide cooling for a bunch of empty rooms.

While Sleeping

To enjoy a good night’s sleep during the summer, you want a nice cool temperature. You should try and keep things between 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit. You won’t have to worry about getting too hot or too cold when you are trying to get some rest.

Additional Ways to Reduce Energy Use:

  • Install a smart thermostat: Trying a smart thermostat in the summer is an excellent way to reduce energy costs since it can plan your temperature adjustments according to your lifestyle and personal preferences. A smart thermostat manages the temperature if you are home or sleeping, while allowing it to get a little warmer when no one is around. With models like the Lennox iComfort, you can adjust the temperature remotely through your smartphone, tablet or laptop. Scheduling smart thermostat installation in your York home is an effortless way to set the correct temperature no matter where you are.
  • Upgrade your HVAC system: A new HVAC system is another great option for long-term energy savings. By investing in a more energy-efficient system, lower utility bills won’t be far behind since it requires less energy to heat and cool your home. Air conditioning installation in York is a breeze for experienced professionals like Strine's.
  • Schedule annual AC maintenance: Whether or not you keep up with regular air conditioning maintenance in York 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 perform better during day-to-day use.. Increasing efficiency also limits strain on important or delicate components and lowers operational costs, lowering total energy use and eventually the total monthly bill.
  • Clean or replace the air filter on a regular basis: Regularly changing the air filters in your HVAC system saves money by keeping airflow as smooth and consistent as possible. When filters are clogged with dirt and debris, your air conditioner will have to work harder, and this greater strain could shorten the system’s life span and result in 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 over the summer. The North American Insulation Manufacturers Association (NAIMA) suggests that homeowners living in southern climates should have at least 13-14 inches of insulation, while colder climates do better with 16-18 inches.
  • Review your ventilation: 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 throughout your home. Watching for signs of leaks and sealing them can address both concerns.
  • 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. Taking the time to seal up any leaks now can help you save a lot in the long run.