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.

It starts with 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 at home, away or even when you’re asleep.

With a few simple adjustments, you have more time to enjoy pleasant temperatures while keeping more money in your pocket. Take a look at a few ways your thermostat doesn’t have to use up all your summer spending money:

While at Home

Whenever you’re at home, you want comfortable temperatures. That’s why it’s best to set your thermostat lower in the summer if you’re indoors to appreciate the cool air.

But the most energy-efficient temperatures for the summer is actually around 78 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. By adjusting things a few degrees, you can stay cool while still lowering your monthly energy bill.

While Out of the House

When setting the temperature for whenever you’re gone, 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 thermostat to higher temperatures like 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 unit won’t be working overtime to provide cooling for a bunch of empty rooms.

While Sleeping

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 when you are trying to get some rest.

Additional Ways to Reduce Energy Use:

  • Install a smart thermostat: Trying 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. It’ll take care of making changes while you are home or sleeping, while allowing it to get a little warmer when the house is empty. With models like 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 Muldrow home can be the simplest strategy for maintaining comfortable, yet energy-efficient temperatures whether you’re at home or across the country.
  • Update your existing HVAC system: A new HVAC system can save money in the long run. With greater energy efficiency, your utility bills will be lower because it requires less energy to heat and cool your home. Air conditioning installation in Muldrow is only a phone call away, so don’t hesitate to reach out to local pros like Air Service Co. who can set you up for success.
  • Schedule annual AC maintenance: Whether or not you keep up with regular air conditioning maintenance in Muldrow can have a serious effect on your total monthly energy use. 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 run more efficiently. Increasing efficiency also limits strain on important or delicate components 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 keeping airflow as smooth and consistent as possible. When filters are clogged with dirt and debris, air conditioners have to work harder, and the strain can reduce 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 through 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: Leaky ductwork can raise your energy bills much more than 20 percent, plus it can affect equipment such as your water heater, clothes dryer and other appliances to get into the atmosphere of your home. Finding any leaks fast and sealing them can fix both of those problems.
  • Seal all other leaky spots in your home: Finding and sealing any remaining leaks in your home with caulk, foam sealant or weather-stripping can help keep it 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.