We all like saving money on our monthly utility bills, but it just so happens there’s a way to lower energy use, even when you’re not 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 at home, away or even when you’re sleeping.

By trying a few of these schedules, you’ll be able to enjoy comfortable temperatures while keeping more money in your pocket. Take a look at a few ways your thermostat can save you money in the summer:

While at Home

Whenever you’re at home, you want a nice range of pleasant temperatures. That’s why it’s best to set your thermostat lower in the summer if you’re indoors to make the most of the cool air.

But in terms of energy efficiency, the best range for the summer is in fact anywhere between 78 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. This way, you can stay cool while still lowering your monthly energy bill.

While Out of the House

If you’re setting the temperature for a vacation or other trip away from the house, the majority of homeowners will set the thermostat higher than you would if you were in the house.

If your home is located somewhere a little cooler, you can set the temperature as high as 88 degrees while no one is home and then lower 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 Sleeping

To enjoy a good night’s sleep during the summer, you want your thermostat set at a comfortable temperature. A good rule of thumb is 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:

  • Put in a smart thermostat: Trying a smart thermostat in the summer helps save money on energy costs by automatically adjusting to your lifestyle and idea of what comfortable is. A smart thermostat manages the temperature if 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 are able to adjust settings and schedules through your smartphone, tablet or laptop. Scheduling smart thermostat installation in your Bend home can be the simplest strategy for maintaining comfortable, yet energy-efficient temperatures even when you aren’t home.
  • Replace current equipment with a newer HVAC system: A new HVAC system can save money in the long run. If a system boasts high energy efficiency, your utility bills will be lower because it requires less energy to reach your preferred temperatures. Air conditioning installation in Bend is a breeze for experienced professionals like Tri County Climate Control LLC.
  • Stay on top of routine AC maintenance: Hiring a skilled professional to perform regular air conditioning maintenance in Bend 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, this can help your HVAC system perform better during day-to-day use.. Increasing efficiency also limits 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: Regularly changing the air filters in your HVAC system saves money by improving airflow. When filters are clogged with dirt and debris, an AC unit has to work harder, and the added strain may impact the system’s life span and lead to breakdowns.
  • Check your attic 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) recommends that homes in the southern United States should have at least 13-14 inches of insulation, while those in northern U.S. states should have 16-18 inches.
  • Review your ventilation: 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 help with both these issues.
  • 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. You should also check for any gaps around windows, doors and even outdoor fixtures. Taking the time to seal up any leaks now can help you save a lot over time.