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.

The secret is your thermostat. By using automatic schedules, you can tailor the temperature to your needs. This means establishing various temperature settings for when you’re at home, away or even when you’re sleeping.

By trying a few of these schedules, you’ll be able to enjoy comfortable temperatures while also keeping more of your money. Here are some ways 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 while inside to appreciate the cool air.

But the ideal temperature for the summer is actually around 78 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. By adjusting things a few degrees, you can stay cool while still lowering your monthly energy bill.

While Gone

If you’re setting the temperature for when you are out of the house in summer, it’s extremely common to move the thermostat higher than you would if you were in the house.

If your home is located somewhere a little cooler, you can set the thermostat to higher temperatures like 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 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 great place to start is between 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit. There’s less risk of getting too hot or too cold when you are trying to get some rest.

Other Strategies for Lowering Energy Use:

  • Smart thermostat installation: Switching to a smart thermostat in the summer is an excellent way to reduce energy costs as it forms temperature schedules according to your lifestyle and personal preferences. A smart thermostat manages the temperature if you are home or sleeping, before allowing it to warm up when the house is empty. With models 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 Corpus Christi 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: A high-efficiency HVAC system can save money in the long run. By investing in a more energy-efficient system, lower utility bills won’t be far behind since it requires less energy to heat and cool your home. Air conditioning installation in Corpus Christi is a breeze for experienced professionals like Total Assurance AC & Heating.
  • Schedule annual AC maintenance: Investing in or ignoring regular air conditioning maintenance in Corpus Christi 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, leading to lower energy usage, which translates into lower energy bills.
  • Clean or replace the air filter on a regular basis: Regularly changing the air filters in your HVAC system saves money by improving airflow. When filters become clogged, your air conditioner will have 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 a vital part of maintaining an energy-efficient home, securing the hot air outside and the cool air inside during the summer. The North American Insulation Manufacturers Association (NAIMA) offers an official recommendation stating homeowners in souther states should have at least 13-14 inches of insulation, while states further north need 16-18 inches.
  • Check your air ducts: A leak in the air ducts could increase your energy bills much more than 20 percent, plus it can potentially allow harmful emissions from your water heater, clothes dryer and other appliances throughout your home. Checking your ductwork for leaks and sealing them can address both concerns.
  • 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. Taking the time to seal up any leaks now can help you save a lot in the long run.