Everyone’s always looking to save money on their 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 structure its daily schedule around your personal preferences. This means establishing various temperature settings for when you’re 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. Check out our guide on how your thermostat can be a source of energy savings:

While at Home

Pretty much whenever you're home, you want a nice range of pleasant temperatures. It's only natural to want your thermostat lower in the summer while you are in the house to make the most of 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. By adjusting things a few degrees, you'll keep cool while keeping your energy bill more manageable.

While Away

When it comes to setting the temperature for a vacation or other trip away from the house, it's extremely common to move the thermostat higher than you would if you were in the house.

For some homes, you can set the temperature 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 cool an empty house.

While Sleeping

When it comes to sleeping in 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 at some point overnight.

Other Ways to Use Less Energy:

  • Install a smart thermostat: Trying a smart thermostat in the summer helps save money on energy costs since it can plan your temperature adjustments according to your lifestyle and idea of what comfortable is. It'll take care of making changes while you are home or sleeping, while allowing it to warm up when the house is empty. With reliable brands like the Lennox iComfort, you can adjust the temperature remotely through your smartphone, tablet or laptop. Planning smart thermostat installation in your Marshalltown home is an effortless way to set the correct temperature 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, your utility bills will be lower because it requires less energy to heat and cool your home. Air conditioning installation in Marshalltown is a great way to beat the heat in the summer.
  • Stay on top of routine AC maintenance: Investing in or ignoring regular air conditioning maintenance in Marshalltown can have a big impact on your monthly energy use. By regularly cleaning the coils, checking for damage and keeping vents clear of dust and debris, you may notice your HVAC system perform better during day-to-day use.. Increasing efficiency also limits strain on the unit and lowers operational costs, leading to lower energy usage, which translates into lower energy 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.
  • Check your attic insulation: Insulation is a vital part of maintaining an energy-efficient home, keeping the hot air outside and the cool air inside during 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 those in northern U.S. states should have 16-18 inches.
  • Inspect your ventilation: 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 throughout your home. Checking your ductwork for leaks 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 can help keep it cooler on hot summer days. It’s also important to check for any gaps around windows, doors and even outdoor fixtures. Making time to seal leaks now can help you save a lot over time.