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 making the most out of your thermostat, you can structure its daily schedule around your personal preferences. You can create a number of automated temperature settings for when you’re home, away or even when you’re sleeping.

With a few simple adjustments, you can enjoy comfy temperatures while cutting down your energy bills. Check out our guide on how your thermostat doesn’t have to use up all your summer spending money:

While at Home

When you’re home, you want a nice range of pleasant temperatures. It’s only natural to want your thermostat lower in the summer while inside to appreciate the cool air.

But the most energy-efficient temperatures for the summer is actually around 78 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. With this adjustment, you’ll keep cool while keeping your energy bill more manageable.

While Away

If you’re setting the temperature for when you are out of the house in summer, it’s extremely common to move 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 after you return. This way, your air conditioning won’t have to work constantly to cool an empty house.

While Sleeping

When it comes to sleeping in the summer, you want a temperature that’s nice and cool. You should try and keep things between 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit. This will keep you from getting too hot or too cold while you’re trying to sleep.

Other Ways to Use Less Energy:

  • Smart thermostat installation: Using a smart thermostat in the summer can lower energy costs by automatically adjusting to your lifestyle and home environment. It’ll take care of making changes while you are home or sleeping, while allowing it to get warmer when no one is home. With models like the Lennox iComfort, you can adjust the temperature remotely through your smartphone, tablet or laptop. Scheduling smart thermostat installation in your Northglenn home is an effortless way to set the correct temperature no matter where you are.
  • Update your existing HVAC system: Upgrading your 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 Northglenn 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 Northglenn can have a significant impact on your utility bills. If you stay on top of cleaning key components like the coils, checking for damage and clearing air vents 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.
  • Replace your air filter regularly: Regularly changing the air filters in your HVAC system saves money by improving airflow. When filters become clogged, air conditioners have to work harder, and the added strain may impact the system’s life span and lead to breakdowns.
  • Verify your attic has enough insulation: Insulation is a vital part of maintaining an energy-efficient home, securing 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 have at least 13-14 inches of insulation, while colder climates do better with 16-18 inches.
  • Check your air ducts: Damage to the ventilation is capable of increasing your energy bills much more than 20 percent, plus it can also lead to problems with 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. 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.