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

The key is your thermostat. By learning more about its special features and settings, you can tailor the temperature to your needs. You can create a number of automated temperature settings for when you’re home, away or even when you’re sleeping.

With a few simple adjustments, you’ll be able to enjoy comfortable temperatures while cutting down your energy bills. Here are some ways your thermostat doesn’t have to use up all your summer spending money:

While at Home

Whenever you’re at home, you want to enjoy a comfortable temperature. For the most part, you probably have your thermostat lower in the summer if you’re indoors to appreciate the cool air.

But the ideal temperature for when you’re in your home during the summer is usually between 78 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. This way, you can stay cool while still keeping your energy bills low.

While Away

If you’re setting the temperature for when you are out of the house in summer, it’s extremely common to move the thermostat higher than normal.

Depending on the local climate or your home’s location, 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 after you 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. A great place to start is between 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit. There’s less risk of getting too hot or too cold at some point overnight.

Other Ways to Use Less Energy:

  • Install 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. They can lower the temperature while you are home or sleeping, before allowing it to get warmer when the house is empty. Using reputed brands and models such as the Lennox iComfort, you are able to adjust settings and schedules through your smartphone, tablet or laptop. Requesting smart thermostat installation in your Chester home is an effortless way to set the correct temperature no matter where you are.
  • Replace current equipment with a newer HVAC system: A high-efficiency HVAC system saves money right from the start. By investing in a more energy-efficient system, your utility bills will be lower because it requires less energy to reach your preferred temperatures. Air conditioning installation in Chester is a great way to beat the heat in the summer.
  • Stay on top of routine AC maintenance: Whether or not you keep up with regular air conditioning maintenance in Chester can have a big impact on your monthly energy use. By regularly cleaning the coils, checking for damage and clearing air vents of dust and debris, you may notice your HVAC system run more efficiently. Higher energy efficiency will also reduce strain on key parts and lowers operational costs, resulting in lower energy usage and subsequently, smaller bills.
  • Clean or replace the air filter on a regular basis: Cleaning or replacing the air filter regularly saves money by keeping airflow as smooth and consistent as possible. When filters become clogged, your air conditioner will have to work harder, and this greater strain could shorten 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, 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.
  • Review your ventilation: Damage to the ventilation is capable of increasing 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. Finding any leaks fast and sealing them can help with both these issues.
  • Seal all other leaky spots in your home: Sealing leaky spots in your home with caulk, foam sealant or weather-stripping helps keep things cooler during those 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.