Everyone’s always looking to save money on their 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. That means you can have different temperature settings for when you’re home, away or even when you’re sleeping.

If you’re willing to make these adjustments, you can enjoy comfy 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. For the most part, you probably have your thermostat lower in the summer if you’re indoors to make the most of the cool air.

But the ideal temperature for when you’re in your home during the summer is actually around 78 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. This way, you’ll keep cool while still lowering your monthly energy bill.

While Out of the House

When it comes to setting the temperature for whenever you’re gone, it’s advantageous to set the thermostat higher for while they’re gone.

If your home is located somewhere a little cooler, you can set the thermostat to temperatures as high as 88 degrees while no one is home before lowering it back to the sweet spot of 78-80 degrees once you’re home again. This way, your air conditioning won’t have to work constantly to keep an empty house cool.

While Sleeping

When it comes to sleeping in the summer, you want a nice cool temperature. A good rule of thumb 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: Trying a smart thermostat in the summer can lower energy costs as it forms temperature schedules according to your lifestyle and idea of what comfortable is. They can lower the temperature while you are home or sleeping, before allowing it to get a little warmer when no one is around. With models like the Lennox iComfort, you can adjust the temperature remotely through your smartphone, tablet or laptop. Scheduling smart thermostat installation in your Northridge home is an effortless way to set the correct temperature no matter where you are.
  • Upgrade your HVAC system: A new HVAC system is another great option for long-term energy savings. By investing in a more energy-efficient system, your utility bills will be lower because it requires less energy to reach your preferred temperatures. Air conditioning installation in Northridge is a breeze for experienced professionals like Enertek Air Conditioning & Heating.
  • Stay on top of routine AC maintenance: Investing in or ignoring regular air conditioning maintenance in Northridge 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.. 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.
  • Replace your air filter regularly: Regularly changing the air filters in your HVAC system saves money by helping air flow efficiently through your air conditioner. When filters are clogged with dirt and debris, an AC unit has to work harder, and this greater strain could shorten the system’s life span and lead to 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 have at least 13-14 inches of insulation, while colder climates do better with 16-18 inches.
  • Inspect your ventilation: A leak in the air ducts could increase 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. Watching for signs of leaks and sealing them can address both concerns.
  • 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. 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 term.