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 secret is your thermostat. By making the most out of your thermostat, you can help the thermostat plan for your preferred temperatures. That means you can have different temperature settings for when you’re 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. Here are some ways your thermostat can save you money in the summer:

While at Home

Whenever you’re at home, you want to enjoy a comfortable temperature. 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 when you’re in your home during the summer is usually between 78 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. By adjusting things a few degrees, you’ll avoid the worst of summer while still keeping your energy bills low.

While Gone

If you’re setting the temperature for a vacation or other trip away from the house, it’s advantageous to set the thermostat higher for while they’re gone.

Depending on the local climate or your home’s location, you can set the thermostat to higher temperatures like 88 degrees while no one is home before you adjust it back to the sweet spot of 78-80 degrees when you or a family member return. This way, your air conditioning won’t have to work constantly to provide cooling for a bunch of empty rooms.

While Asleep

To enjoy a good night’s sleep during the summer, you want a temperature that’s nice and cool. 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:

  • Install a smart thermostat: Switching to a smart thermostat in the summer helps save money on energy costs by automatically adjusting to your lifestyle and home environment. They can lower the temperature while you are home or sleeping, while allowing it to get 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. Scheduling smart thermostat installation in your Cambridge home can be the simplest strategy for maintaining comfortable, yet energy-efficient temperatures whether you’re at home or across the country.
  • Upgrade your HVAC system: A high-efficiency HVAC system can save money in the long run. By investing in a more energy-efficient system, you can also count on lower utility bills since more efficient equipment requires less energy to achieve comfortable temperatures. Air conditioning installation in Cambridge is a breeze for experienced professionals like Pliescott HVAC Services LLC.
  • Keep up with AC maintenance: Whether or not you keep up with regular air conditioning maintenance in Cambridge 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 perform better during day-to-day use.. Increasing efficiency also limits strain on key parts and lowers operational costs, resulting in lower energy usage and subsequently, smaller bills.
  • Replace your air filter regularly: Cleaning or replacing the air filter regularly saves money by helping air flow efficiently through your air conditioner. When filters become clogged, air conditioners have to work harder, and the strain can reduce the system’s life span and result in breakdowns.
  • Check your attic insulation: Insulation is a vital part of maintaining an energy-efficient home, securing the hot air outside and the cool air inside over 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 states further north need 16-18 inches.
  • Review your air ducts: Damage to the ventilation is capable of increasing 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: Sealing leaky spots 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 in the long run.