It’s always nice when we manage to save money on our utility bills, but you should know there’s a way to keep costs down, even when you’re out of the house.

The secret is your thermostat. By learning more about its special features and settings, you can structure its daily schedule around your personal preferences. You can create a number of automated temperature settings for when you’re at home, away or even when you’re asleep.

With a few simple adjustments, you have more time to enjoy pleasant 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

When you’re home, you want comfortable temperatures. That’s why it’s best to set your thermostat lower in the summer if you’re indoors to appreciate the cool air.

But the ideal temperature for the summer is actually around 78 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. With this adjustment, you can stay 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.

For some homes, you can set the thermostat to temperatures as high as 88 degrees while no one is home and then lower 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 cool an empty house.

While Sleeping

To enjoy a good night’s sleep during 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 when you are trying to get some rest.

Additional Ways to Reduce Energy Use:

  • Install a smart thermostat: Trying a smart thermostat in the summer is an excellent way to reduce energy costs as it forms temperature schedules according to your lifestyle and home environment. It’ll take care of making changes while you are home or sleeping, before allowing it to get warmer when no one is home. With reliable brands 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 Sandpoint 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 is another great option for long-term energy savings. If a system boasts high energy efficiency, your utility bills will be lower because it requires less energy to achieve comfortable temperatures. Air conditioning installation in Sandpoint is a great way to beat the heat in the summer.
  • Schedule annual AC maintenance: Hiring a skilled professional to perform regular air conditioning maintenance in Sandpoint 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 run more efficiently. Higher energy efficiency will also reduce strain on important or delicate components 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 keeping airflow as smooth and consistent as possible. 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 lead to breakdowns.
  • Confirm your attic is sufficiently insulated: 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) 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.
  • Inspect 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 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: Sealing leaky spots in your home with caulk, foam sealant or weather-stripping helps keep things cooler during those 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 term.