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

The key is your thermostat. By using automatic schedules, you can structure its daily schedule around your personal preferences. This means establishing various temperature settings for when you’re home, away or even when you’re asleep.

By trying a few of these schedules, you have more time to enjoy pleasant temperatures while cutting down your energy bills. Take a look at a few ways your thermostat can save you money in the summer:

While at Home

Whenever you’re at home, you want comfortable temperatures. That’s why it’s best to set your thermostat lower in the summer while inside 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 in fact anywhere between 78 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. This way, you’ll avoid the worst of summer while still keeping your energy bills low.

While Away

When setting the temperature for a vacation or other trip away from the house, the majority of homeowners will set 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 won’t have to work constantly to provide cooling for a bunch of empty rooms.

While Asleep

To enjoy a good night’s sleep during the summer, you want a nice cool temperature. A good rule of thumb 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:

  • Install a smart thermostat: Using a smart thermostat in the summer is an excellent way to reduce energy costs by automatically adjusting to your lifestyle and personal preferences. They can lower the temperature while you are home or sleeping, while allowing it to get warmer when no one is around. With models like the Lennox iComfort, you can adjust the temperature remotely through your smartphone, tablet or laptop. Scheduling smart thermostat installation in your Moline home can be the simplest strategy for maintaining comfortable, yet energy-efficient temperatures no matter where you are.
  • Replace current equipment with a newer HVAC system: Upgrading your HVAC system can save money in the long run. With greater energy efficiency, lower utility bills won’t be far behind since it requires less energy to achieve comfortable temperatures. Air conditioning installation in Moline is a great way to beat the heat in the summer.
  • Schedule annual AC maintenance: Whether or not you keep up with regular air conditioning maintenance in Moline can have a serious effect on your total monthly energy use. By regularly cleaning the coils, checking for damage and keeping vents clear of dust and debris, this can help your HVAC system perform better during day-to-day use.. Higher energy efficiency will also reduce strain on important or delicate components 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: 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 added strain may impact the system’s life span and cause breakdowns.
  • Confirm your attic is sufficiently insulated: Insulation is a crucial component for any energy-efficient home, keeping 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 states further north need 16-18 inches.
  • Check your ductwork: Leaky ductwork can raise 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. 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 keeps temperatures a little cooler on 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 term.