Everyone’s always looking to save money on their utility bills, but you should know there’s a way to lower energy use, even when you're not even home.

It starts with your thermostat. By learning more about its special features and settings, you can help the thermostat plan for your preferred temperatures. This means establishing various 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 keeping more money in your pocket. 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 comfortable temperatures. It's only natural to want your thermostat lower in the summer while you are in the house to appreciate the cool air.

But the ideal temperature for the summer is in fact anywhere between 78 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. This way, you can stay cool while still keeping your energy bills low.

While Gone

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 than you would if you were in the house.

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 and then lower it back to the sweet spot of 78-80 degrees once you're home again. This way, your air conditioning won't have to work constantly to cool an empty house.

While Sleeping

When it comes to sleeping in the summer, you want a temperature that's nice and cool. A good rule of thumb is between 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit. You won't have to worry about getting too hot or too cold at some point overnight.

Additional Ways to Reduce Energy Use:

  • Smart thermostat installation: Using a smart thermostat in the summer can lower energy costs as it forms temperature schedules according to your lifestyle and home environment. A smart thermostat manages the temperature if you are home or sleeping, before allowing it to warm up when no one is home. With models like the Lennox iComfort, you can adjust the temperature remotely 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.
  • Update your existing HVAC system: A new HVAC system can save money in the long run. With greater energy efficiency, you can also count on lower utility bills since more efficient equipment requires less energy to achieve comfortable temperatures. Air conditioning installation in [siteinfo field="msa"] is a breeze for experienced professionals like [siteinfo field="name"]
  • Schedule annual AC maintenance: Whether or not you keep up with regular air conditioning maintenance in [targetlocation] can have a significant impact on your utility bills. With regular cleaning of the coils, checking for damage and clearing air vents of dust and debris, you may notice your HVAC system run more efficiently. Increasing efficiency also limits strain on the unit and lowers operational costs, leading to lower energy usage, which translates into lower energy 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 are old and less effective, an AC unit has to work harder, and this greater strain could shorten the system’s life span and lead to breakdowns.
  • Check your attic insulation: Insulation is one of the key components in any energy-efficient home, keeping the hot air outside and the cool air inside over the summer. The North American Insulation Manufacturers Association (NAIMA) recommends that homes in the southern United States should have at least 13-14 inches of insulation, while those in northern U.S. states should have 16-18 inches.
  • Inspect your air ducts: A leak in the air ducts could increase 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 address both concerns.
  • Seal all other leaky spots in your home: Finding and sealing any remaining leaks 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.