Everyone’s always looking to save money on their utility bills, but you should know there’s a way to keep costs down, even when you’re out of the house.

The secret is your thermostat. By learning more about its special features and settings, you can tailor the temperature to your needs. This means establishing various temperature settings for when you’re at home, away or even when you’re sleeping.

If you’re willing to make these adjustments, you’ll be able to enjoy comfortable temperatures while also keeping more of your money. Check out our guide on how your thermostat can save you money in the summer:

While at Home

Pretty much whenever you’re 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 the summer is usually between 78 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. With this adjustment, you can stay cool while still keeping your energy bills low.

While Away

If you’re setting the temperature for a vacation or other trip away from the house, it’s extremely common to move the thermostat higher than you would if you were in the house.

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 once you’re home again. This way, your air conditioning system isn’t working around the clock to cool an empty house.

While Asleep

For a full night’s rest during summer weather, you want your thermostat set at a comfortable temperature. A great place to start is between 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit. This will keep you from getting too hot or too cold when you are trying to get some rest.

Additional Ways to Reduce Energy Use:

  • Put in a smart thermostat: Trying a smart thermostat in the summer helps save money on energy costs as it forms temperature schedules according to your lifestyle and home environment. A smart thermostat manages the temperature if you are home or sleeping, before allowing it to get a little warmer when no one is around. Using reputed brands and models such as the Lennox iComfort, you can adjust the temperature remotely through your smartphone, tablet or laptop. Planning smart thermostat installation in your South Beloit and Belvidere home can be the simplest strategy for maintaining comfortable, yet energy-efficient temperatures even when you aren’t home.
  • Update your existing HVAC system: A new 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 heat and cool your home. Air conditioning installation in South Beloit and Belvidere is a great way to beat the heat in the summer.
  • Stay on top of routine AC maintenance: Hiring a skilled professional to perform regular air conditioning maintenance in South Beloit and Belvidere can have a serious effect on your total monthly energy use. With regular cleaning of the coils, checking for damage and clearing ventilation of dust and debris, you may notice your HVAC system perform better during day-to-day use.. More efficient operation reduces strain on important or delicate components and lowers operational costs, resulting in lower energy usage and subsequently, smaller bills.
  • Replace your air filter regularly: A regular schedule for cleaning or replacing the HVAC system’s air filter saves money by improving airflow. When filters become clogged, an AC unit has to work harder, and this greater strain could shorten the system’s life span and result in breakdowns.
  • Verify your attic has enough insulation: 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) suggests that homeowners living in southern climates should have at least 13-14 inches of insulation, while colder climates do better with 16-18 inches.
  • Review your air ducts: 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. Watching for signs of 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 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 over time.