It's always nice when we manage to save money on our 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 learning more about its special features and settings, you can tailor the temperature to your needs. You can create a number of automated temperature settings for when you’re at home, away or even when you’re asleep.

If you're willing to make these adjustments, you can enjoy comfy temperatures while also keeping more of your money. Here are some ways your thermostat doesn't have to use up all your summer spending money:

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 while inside to make the most of the cool air.

But the ideal temperature for the summer is usually between 78 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. With this adjustment, you'll avoid the worst of summer while still keeping your energy bills low.

While Away

When it comes to setting the temperature for when you are out of the house in summer, the majority of homeowners will set the thermostat higher than normal.

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 once you're home again. This way, your air conditioning system isn't working around the clock to provide cooling for a bunch of empty rooms.

While Sleeping

When it comes to sleeping in the summer, you want a temperature that's nice and cool. 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 Strategies for Lowering Energy Use:

  • Put in a smart thermostat: Using a smart thermostat in the summer can lower energy costs since it can plan your temperature adjustments according to your lifestyle and home environment. It'll take care of making changes while you are home or sleeping, while allowing it to get warmer when no one is home. 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 Cache Valley home can be the simplest strategy for maintaining comfortable, yet energy-efficient temperatures whether you're at home or across the country.
  • Replace current equipment with a newer HVAC system: Upgrading your HVAC system can save money in the long run. 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 Cache Valley is a breeze for experienced professionals like Western Mechanical, Inc..
  • Stay on top of routine AC maintenance: Hiring a skilled professional to perform regular air conditioning maintenance in Cache Valley 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 perform better during day-to-day use.. More efficient operation reduces strain on key parts 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: 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 old and less effective, your air conditioner will have to work harder, and this greater strain could shorten the system’s life span and result in breakdowns.
  • Check if you have enough insulation in the attic: 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) suggests that homeowners living in southern climates should possess at least 13-14 inches of insulation, while states further north need 16-18 inches.
  • Check your ductwork: 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 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 can help keep it cooler on hot summer days. Don't forget to check for any gaps around windows, doors and even outdoor fixtures. Making time to seal leaks now can help you save a lot in the long term.