We all like saving money on our monthly utility bills, but it turns out there’s a way to keep costs down, even when you’re out of the house.

It starts with your thermostat. By using automatic schedules, you can structure its daily schedule around your personal preferences. That means you can have different temperature settings for when you’re at home, away or even when you’re asleep.

By trying a few of these schedules, you’ll be able to enjoy comfortable temperatures while keeping more money in your pocket. Here are some ways your thermostat can save you money in the summer:

While at Home

When you’re home, you want comfortable temperatures. That’s why it’s best to set your thermostat lower in the summer if you’re indoors to make the most of the cool air.

But the most energy-efficient temperatures for the summer is actually around 78 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. This way, you’ll avoid the worst of summer while keeping your energy bill more manageable.

While Out of the House

When setting the temperature for when you are out of the house in summer, the majority of homeowners will set the thermostat higher for while they’re gone.

If your home is located somewhere a little cooler, you can set the temperature as high as 88 degrees while no one is home before lowering 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 keep an empty house cool.

While Sleeping

To enjoy a good night’s sleep during 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.

Additional Ways to Reduce Energy Use:

  • Install a smart thermostat: Switching to a smart thermostat in the summer is an excellent way to reduce energy costs as it forms temperature schedules according to your lifestyle and personal preferences. It’ll take care of making changes while you are home or sleeping, before allowing it to warm up when no one is around. With reliable brands like the Lennox iComfort, you are able to adjust settings and schedules through your smartphone, tablet or laptop. Requesting smart thermostat installation in your Payson home can be the simplest strategy for maintaining comfortable, yet energy-efficient temperatures 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. With greater energy efficiency, lower utility bills won’t be far behind since it requires less energy to heat and cool your home. Air conditioning installation in Payson is a breeze for experienced professionals like North Mechanical Heating and Cooling.
  • Stay on top of routine AC maintenance: Investing in or ignoring regular air conditioning maintenance in Payson can have a big impact on your monthly energy use. With regular cleaning of the coils, checking for damage and keeping vents clear of dust and debris, you may notice your HVAC system run more efficiently. Higher energy efficiency will also reduce strain on the unit 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 improving airflow. When filters become clogged, air conditioners have to work harder, and this greater strain could shorten the system’s life span and lead to breakdowns.
  • Check your attic insulation: 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 install 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 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 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. 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 in the long run.