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 key is your thermostat. By using automatic schedules, you can tailor the temperature to your needs. You can create a number of automated temperature settings for when you’re home, away or even when you’re sleeping.

If you’re willing to make these adjustments, you have more time to enjoy pleasant temperatures while cutting down your energy bills. Take a look at a few ways your thermostat can be a source of energy savings:

While at Home

When you’re home, you want comfortable temperatures. It’s only natural to want your thermostat lower in the summer if you’re indoors to appreciate the cool air.

But the ideal temperature for when you’re in your home during the summer is usually between 78 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. This way, you can stay cool while keeping your energy bill more manageable.

While Out of the House

When setting the temperature for a vacation or other trip away from the house, it’s advantageous to set the thermostat higher than you would if you were in the house.

Depending on the local climate or your home’s location, you can set the thermostat to temperatures 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 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 your thermostat set at a comfortable temperature. A great place to start is between 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit. There’s less risk of getting too hot or too cold at some point overnight.

Other Ways to Use Less Energy:

  • Put in a smart thermostat: Switching to a smart thermostat in the summer can lower energy costs since it can plan your temperature adjustments according to your lifestyle and personal preferences. It’ll take care of making changes while you are home or sleeping, before allowing it to warm up when no one is around. With reliable brands 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 Port St. Lucie home is an effortless way to set the correct temperature even when you aren’t home.
  • Update your existing HVAC system: A new HVAC system saves money right from the start. If a system boasts high energy efficiency, lower utility bills won’t be far behind since it requires less energy to reach your preferred temperatures. Air conditioning installation in Port St. Lucie is a breeze for experienced professionals like Custom Air Systems Inc.
  • Stay on top of routine AC maintenance: Whether or not you keep up with regular air conditioning maintenance in Port St. Lucie can have a big impact on your monthly energy use. By regularly cleaning 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.. Higher energy efficiency will also reduce strain on the unit and lowers operational costs, leading to lower energy usage, which translates into lower energy bills.
  • Clean or replace the air filter on a regular basis: Cleaning or replacing the air filter regularly saves money by keeping airflow as smooth and consistent as possible. When filters are old and less effective, an AC unit has to work harder, and the strain can reduce the system’s life span and result in breakdowns.
  • Confirm your attic is sufficiently insulated: Insulation is a vital part of maintaining an energy-efficient home, keeping the hot air outside and the cool air inside over the summer. The North American Insulation Manufacturers Association (NAIMA) offers an official recommendation stating homeowners in souther states should have at least 13-14 inches of insulation, while colder climates do better with 16-18 inches.
  • Check your ductwork: 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. Finding any leaks fast 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 helps keep things cooler during those hot summer days. You should also 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.