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 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 sleeping.

By trying a few of these schedules, you have more time to enjoy pleasant temperatures while also keeping more of your money. Here are some ways your thermostat can save you money in the summer:

While at Home

Pretty much whenever you’re home, you want a nice range of pleasant temperatures. For the most part, you probably have your thermostat lower in the summer while inside to appreciate the cool air.

But in terms of energy efficiency, the best range for when you’re in your home during the summer is usually between 78 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. With this adjustment, 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 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 temperature as high as 88 degrees while no one is home before you adjust it back to the sweet spot of 78-80 degrees once you’re home again. This way, your air conditioning unit won’t be working overtime to provide cooling for a bunch of empty rooms.

While Asleep

When it comes to sleeping in the summer, you want a nice cool temperature. You should try and keep things between 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit. You won’t have to worry about getting too hot or too cold at some point overnight.

Other Ways to Use Less Energy:

  • Install a smart thermostat: Using a smart thermostat in the summer helps save money on energy costs since it can plan your temperature adjustments according to your lifestyle and home environment. It’ll take care of making changes while you are home or sleeping, before allowing it to get warmer when no one is around. 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 The Bay Area home is an effortless way to set the correct temperature whether you’re at home or across the country.
  • Upgrade your HVAC system: Upgrading your HVAC system is another great option for long-term energy savings. By investing in a more energy-efficient system, lower utility bills won’t be far behind since it requires less energy to reach your preferred temperatures. Air conditioning installation in The Bay Area is a great way to beat the heat in the summer.
  • Keep up with AC maintenance: Investing in or ignoring regular air conditioning maintenance in The Bay Area can have a big impact on your monthly energy use. If you stay on top of cleaning key components like the coils, checking for damage and keeping vents clear of dust and debris, this can help your HVAC system run more efficiently. 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.
  • Replace your air filter regularly: A regular schedule for cleaning or replacing the HVAC system’s air filter saves money by helping air flow efficiently through your air conditioner. When filters are clogged with dirt and debris, air conditioners have to work harder, and this greater strain could shorten the system’s life span and result in breakdowns.
  • Check if you have enough insulation in the attic: Insulation is a crucial component for any energy-efficient home, securing the hot air outside and the cool air inside during the summer. The North American Insulation Manufacturers Association (NAIMA) offers an official recommendation stating homeowners in souther states should install at least 13-14 inches of insulation, while states further north need 16-18 inches.
  • Check your air ducts: Leaky ductwork can raise your energy bills much more than 20 percent, plus it can also lead to problems with 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 up other 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. Making time to seal leaks now can help you save a lot in the long term.