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

The key is your thermostat. By making the most out of your thermostat, you can structure its daily schedule around your personal preferences. This means establishing various temperature settings for when you’re at home, away or even when you’re sleeping.

With a few simple adjustments, you have more time to enjoy pleasant temperatures while cutting down your energy bills. Check out our guide on how your thermostat can save you money in the summer:

While at Home

When you’re home, you want a nice range of pleasant temperatures. It’s only natural to want your thermostat lower in the summer if you’re indoors to make the most of the cool air.

But the ideal temperature for when you’re in your home during the summer is in fact anywhere between 78 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. With this adjustment, you’ll avoid the worst of summer while still lowering your monthly energy bill.

While Gone

When 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.

If your home is in a shady spot in a cooler climate, you can set the thermostat to higher temperatures like 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 unit won’t be working overtime to provide cooling for a bunch of empty rooms.

While Sleeping

When it comes to sleeping in the summer, 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 when you are trying to get some rest.

Other Strategies for Lowering Energy Use:

  • Put in a smart thermostat: Using a smart thermostat in the summer helps save money on 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 a little warmer when no one is home. Using reputed brands and models such as the Lennox iComfort, you can adjust the temperature remotely through your smartphone, tablet or laptop. Planning smart thermostat installation in your Siloam Springs home can be the simplest strategy for maintaining comfortable, yet energy-efficient temperatures no matter where you are.
  • Upgrade your HVAC system: A high-efficiency HVAC system is another great option for long-term energy savings. With greater energy efficiency, you can also count on lower utility bills since more efficient equipment requires less energy to heat and cool your home. Air conditioning installation in Siloam Springs is a breeze for experienced professionals like Siloam Springs Heating & AC.
  • Keep up with AC maintenance: Hiring a skilled professional to perform regular air conditioning maintenance in Siloam Springs can have a big impact on your monthly energy use. By regularly cleaning the coils, checking for damage and clearing ventilation of dust and debris, this can help your HVAC system run more efficiently. Increasing efficiency also limits strain on the unit and lowers operational costs, resulting in lower energy usage and subsequently, smaller bills.
  • Replace your air filter regularly: Regularly changing the air filters in your HVAC system saves money by helping air flow efficiently through your air conditioner. When filters become clogged, air conditioners have to work harder, and the strain can reduce the system’s life span and cause 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 during 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 those in northern U.S. states should have 16-18 inches.
  • Review your air ducts: A leak in the air ducts could increase your energy bills much more than 20 percent, plus it can potentially allow harmful emissions from 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 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. Don’t forget 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.