It's always nice when we manage to save money on our utility bills, but you should know there’s a way to lower energy use, even when you're not even home.

The key is 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 sleeping.

With a few simple adjustments, you can enjoy comfy temperatures while cutting down your energy bills. Take a look at a few ways your thermostat can save you money in the summer:

While at Home

When you’re home, you want comfortable temperatures. For the most part, you probably have your thermostat lower in the summer while inside to make the most of the cool air.

But the most energy-efficient temperatures for when you're in your home during the summer is actually around 78 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. This way, you can stay cool while still keeping your energy bills low.

While Gone

When setting the temperature for when you are out of the house in summer, it's extremely common to move 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 when you or a family member return. This way, your air conditioning unit won’t be working overtime to keep an empty house cool.

While Sleeping

When it comes to sleeping in the summer, 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.

Other Strategies for Lowering Energy Use:

  • Install a smart thermostat: Trying a smart thermostat in the summer can lower energy costs since it can plan your temperature adjustments according to your lifestyle and personal preferences. It'll take care of making changes while you are home or sleeping, while allowing it to warm up when no one is home. 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 Dundas and Northfield home can be the simplest strategy for maintaining comfortable, yet energy-efficient temperatures no matter where you are.
  • Update your existing 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 Dundas and Northfield is only a phone call away, so don't hesitate to reach out to local pros like Better Air who can set you up for success.
  • Stay on top of routine AC maintenance: Hiring a skilled professional to perform regular air conditioning maintenance in Dundas and Northfield 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.. Increasing efficiency also limits strain on key parts and lowers operational costs, lowering total energy use and eventually the total monthly bill.
  • Clean or replace the air filter on a regular basis: Regularly changing the air filters in your HVAC system saves money by keeping airflow as smooth and consistent as possible. When filters are clogged with dirt and debris, your air conditioner will have to work harder, and the added strain may impact the system’s life span and cause breakdowns.
  • Verify your attic has enough 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) offers an official recommendation stating homeowners in souther states should install at least 13-14 inches of insulation, while states further north need 16-18 inches.
  • Inspect your air ducts: Leaky ductwork can raise 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. Checking your ductwork for 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 helps keep things cooler during those hot summer days. It’s also important 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 over time.