We all like saving money on our monthly utility bills, but it turns out there’s a way to keep costs down, even when you're out of the house.

It starts with your thermostat. By using automatic schedules, you can help the thermostat plan for your preferred temperatures. You can create a number of automated temperature settings for when you’re at home, away or even when you’re asleep.

By trying a few of these schedules, 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. For the most part, you probably have your thermostat lower in the summer while you are in the house to appreciate the cool air.

But in terms of energy efficiency, the best range for when you're in your home during 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

When it comes to setting the temperature for when you are out of the house in summer, 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 temperature as high as 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 won't have to work constantly to keep an empty house cool.

While Sleeping

For a full night's rest during summer weather, 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.

Additional Ways to Reduce Energy Use:

  • Install a smart thermostat: Switching to a smart thermostat in the summer is an excellent way to reduce 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, before allowing it to get warmer when the house is empty. With reliable brands like the Lennox iComfort, you can adjust the temperature remotely through your smartphone, tablet or laptop. Requesting smart thermostat installation in your Tucker home can be the simplest strategy for maintaining comfortable, yet energy-efficient temperatures no matter where you are.
  • Upgrade your HVAC system: Upgrading your 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 reach your preferred temperatures. Air conditioning installation in Tucker is a great way to beat the heat in the summer.
  • Keep up with AC maintenance: Whether or not you keep up with regular air conditioning maintenance in Tucker can have a significant impact on your utility bills. With regular cleaning of 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.
  • Replace your air filter regularly: 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 this greater strain could shorten the system’s life span and lead to breakdowns.
  • Confirm your attic is sufficiently insulated: Insulation is one of the key components in any energy-efficient home, securing 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 have at least 13-14 inches of insulation, while colder climates do better with 16-18 inches.
  • Review your ventilation: 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. Checking your ductwork for leaks and sealing them can help with both these issues.
  • Seal all other leaky spots in your home: Sealing leaky spots 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 in the long run.