Everyone’s always looking to save money on their utility bills, but you should know there’s a way to do it when you aren’t even home.

The key is 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 home, away or even when you’re asleep.

With a few simple adjustments, you can enjoy comfy temperatures while cutting down your energy bills. Here are some ways your thermostat can save you money in the summer:

While at Home

When you’re home, you want to enjoy a comfortable temperature. For the most part, you probably have your thermostat lower in the summer while inside to appreciate the cool air.

But the most energy-efficient temperatures for when you're in your home during the summer is usually between 78 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. By adjusting things a few degrees, you'll avoid the worst of summer while still lowering your monthly energy bill.

While Gone

When it comes to setting the temperature for a vacation or other trip away from the house, the majority of homeowners will set the thermostat higher for while they're gone.

For some homes, 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 when you or a family member return. This way, your air conditioning won't have to work constantly to keep an empty house cool.

While Asleep

To enjoy a good night's sleep during the summer, you want a temperature that's nice and cool. You should try and keep things between 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit. There's less risk of getting too hot or too cold while you're trying to sleep.

Additional Ways to Reduce Energy Use:

  • Put in a smart thermostat: Trying a smart thermostat in the summer is an excellent way to reduce energy costs as it forms temperature schedules according to your lifestyle and home environment. It'll take care of making changes while you are home or sleeping, while allowing it to get a little warmer when no one is around. Using reputed brands and models such as the Lennox iComfort, you have the ability to remotely access and change the temperature through your smartphone, tablet or laptop. Planning smart thermostat installation in your Norton home is an effortless way to set the correct temperature even when you aren’t home.
  • Update your existing HVAC system: A new HVAC system is another great option for long-term energy savings. If a system boasts high 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 Norton is a breeze for experienced professionals like HCE Systems.
  • Schedule annual AC maintenance: Hiring a skilled professional to perform regular air conditioning maintenance in Norton can have a significant impact on your utility bills. With regular cleaning of the coils, checking for damage and keeping vents clear of dust and debris, you may notice your HVAC system perform better during day-to-day use.. More efficient operation reduces strain on key parts and lowers operational costs, resulting in lower energy usage and subsequently, smaller bills.
  • Clean or replace the air filter on a regular basis: A regular schedule for cleaning or replacing the HVAC system's air filter saves money by improving airflow. When filters are old and less effective, an AC unit has to work harder, and the added strain may impact the system’s life span and result in breakdowns.
  • Confirm your attic is sufficiently insulated: Insulation is one of the key components in any energy-efficient home, keeping the hot air outside and the cool air inside during the summer. The North American Insulation Manufacturers Association (NAIMA) recommends that homes in the southern United States should install at least 13-14 inches of insulation, while states further north need 16-18 inches.
  • Check your ventilation: Leaky ductwork can raise your energy bills much more than 20 percent, plus it can potentially allow harmful emissions from your water heater, clothes dryer and other appliances throughout your home. Checking your ductwork for leaks and sealing them can address both concerns.
  • Seal all other leaky spots in your home: Sealing up other leaks in your home with caulk, foam sealant or weather-stripping can help keep it cooler on hot summer days. Don't forget to check for any gaps around windows, doors and even outdoor fixtures. Devoting time and effort to sealing leaks now can help you save a lot in the long term.