It’s always nice when we manage to save money on our utility bills, but it turns out there’s a way to do it when you aren’t even home.

The key is your thermostat. By learning more about its special features and settings, you can help the thermostat plan for your preferred temperatures. That means you can have different temperature settings for when you’re at home, away or even when you’re asleep.

If you’re willing to make these adjustments, you’ll be able to enjoy comfortable temperatures while cutting down your energy bills. Take a look at a few ways your thermostat can be a source of energy savings:

While at Home

Pretty much whenever you’re home, you want to enjoy a comfortable temperature. That’s why it’s best to set your thermostat lower in the summer while you are in the house to appreciate the cool air.

But the ideal temperature for when you’re in your home during the summer is actually around 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 Out of the House

When setting the temperature for when you are out of the house in summer, it’s advantageous to set the thermostat higher for while they’re gone.

If your home is in a shady spot in a cooler climate, you can set the thermostat to temperatures 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 system isn’t working around the clock to keep an empty house cool.

While Sleeping

For a full night’s rest during summer weather, you want a temperature that’s nice and cool. You should try and keep things between 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit. You won’t have to worry about getting too hot or too cold while you’re trying to sleep.

Other Ways to Use Less Energy:

  • Put in a smart thermostat: Switching to a smart thermostat in the summer can lower energy costs since it can plan your temperature adjustments according to your lifestyle and idea of what comfortable is. They can lower the temperature while you are home or sleeping, before allowing it to warm up when no one is around. With models like the Lennox iComfort, you are able to adjust settings and schedules through your smartphone, tablet or laptop. Planning smart thermostat installation in your Hendersonville home is an effortless way to set the correct temperature even when you aren’t home.
  • Replace current equipment with a newer HVAC system: A high-efficiency HVAC system saves money right from the start. 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 Hendersonville is only a phone call away, so don’t hesitate to reach out to local pros like Superior Comfort Systems who can set you up for success.
  • Keep up with AC maintenance: Investing in or ignoring regular air conditioning maintenance in Hendersonville can have a serious effect on your total monthly energy use. With regular cleaning of the coils, checking for damage and clearing air vents 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, 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 become clogged, your air conditioner will have to work harder, and the strain can reduce the system’s life span and cause breakdowns.
  • Confirm your attic is sufficiently insulated: Insulation is one of the key components in 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 those in northern U.S. states should have 16-18 inches.
  • Check your air ducts: A leak in the air ducts could increase 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. 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 helps keep things cooler during those hot summer days. You should also 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 run.