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 tailor the temperature to your needs. 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'll be able to enjoy comfortable temperatures while keeping more money in your pocket. Check out our guide on how your thermostat can save you money in the summer:

While at Home

Pretty much whenever you're home, you want to enjoy a comfortable temperature. 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 actually around 78 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. This way, you'll keep cool while keeping your energy bill more manageable.

While Gone

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 normal.

If your home is in a shady spot in a cooler climate, 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 Asleep

For a full night's rest during summer weather, you want a nice cool temperature. You should try and keep things between 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit. There's less risk of getting too hot or too cold at some point overnight.

Additional Ways to Reduce Energy Use:

  • Put in a smart thermostat: Trying a smart thermostat in the summer helps save money on 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, while allowing it to get warmer when no one is home. Using reputed brands and models such as the Lennox iComfort, you can adjust the temperature remotely through your smartphone, tablet or laptop. Requesting smart thermostat installation in your Big Spring home is an effortless way to set the correct temperature no matter where you are.
  • Upgrade your HVAC system: Upgrading your HVAC system saves money right from the start. With greater energy efficiency, you can also count on lower utility bills since more efficient equipment requires less energy to achieve comfortable temperatures. Air conditioning installation in Big Spring is a breeze for experienced professionals like SKC AC LLC.
  • Keep up with AC maintenance: Whether or not you keep up with regular air conditioning maintenance in Big Spring can have a significant impact on your utility bills. With regular cleaning of the coils, checking for damage and clearing ventilation of dust and debris, you may notice your HVAC system run more efficiently. Increasing efficiency also limits strain on the unit and lowers operational costs, lowering total energy use and eventually the total monthly bill.
  • Replace your air filter regularly: Cleaning or replacing the air filter regularly saves money by improving airflow. When filters are old and less effective, air conditioners 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 one of the key components in any energy-efficient home, securing the hot air outside and the cool air inside over 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 states further north need 16-18 inches.
  • Review your air ducts: A leak in the air ducts could increase 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. Watching for signs of leaks and sealing them can address both concerns.
  • Seal all other leaky spots in your home: Sealing up other 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. Taking the time to seal up any leaks now can help you save a lot in the long run.