We all like saving money on our monthly 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 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 asleep.

With a few simple adjustments, you’ll be able to enjoy comfortable temperatures while keeping more money in your pocket. Check out our guide on how your thermostat can be a source of energy savings:

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 most energy-efficient temperatures for when you’re in your home during the summer is usually between 78 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. With this adjustment, you can stay cool while still keeping your energy bills low.

While Gone

If you’re setting the temperature for a vacation or other trip away from the house, the majority of homeowners will set the thermostat higher than normal.

For some homes, 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 once you’re home again. This way, your air conditioning unit won’t be working overtime to keep an empty house cool.

While Sleeping

For a full night’s rest during summer weather, you want a temperature that’s nice and cool. A great place to start is between 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit. There’s less risk of getting too hot or too cold while you’re trying to sleep.

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 idea of what comfortable is. It’ll take care of making changes while you are home or sleeping, before allowing it to get a little warmer when no one is around. Using reputed brands and models such as the Lennox iComfort, you are able to adjust settings and schedules through your smartphone, tablet or laptop. Scheduling smart thermostat installation in your York home is an effortless way to set the correct temperature whether you’re at home or across the country.
  • Replace current equipment with a newer HVAC system: A new HVAC system saves money right from the start. If a system boasts high energy efficiency, your utility bills will be lower because it requires less energy to heat and cool your home. Air conditioning installation in York is only a phone call away, so don’t hesitate to reach out to local pros like Strine's who can set you up for success.
  • Keep up with AC maintenance: Investing in or ignoring regular air conditioning maintenance in York can have a big impact on your monthly energy use. 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 important or delicate components and lowers operational costs, leading to lower energy usage, which translates into lower energy bills.
  • 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 are old and less effective, your air conditioner will have to work harder, and the strain can reduce the system’s life span and result in 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 over the 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 states further north need 16-18 inches.
  • Check 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 to get into the atmosphere of your home. Checking your ductwork for 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 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 over time.