Everyone’s always looking to save money on their utility bills, but it just so happens there’s a way to do it when you aren’t even home.

The key is your thermostat. By learning more about its special features and settings, you can help the thermostat plan for your preferred temperatures. You can create a number of automated temperature settings for when you’re home, away or even when you’re sleeping.

With a few simple adjustments, you’ll be able to enjoy comfortable temperatures while keeping more money in your pocket. Here are some ways your thermostat doesn’t have to use up all your summer spending money:

While at Home

Pretty much whenever you’re home, you want comfortable 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 the ideal temperature for the summer is usually between 78 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. By adjusting things a few degrees, you’ll avoid the worst of summer while still lowering your monthly energy bill.

While Away

When setting the temperature for a vacation or other trip away from the house, the majority of homeowners will set the thermostat higher than normal.

If your home is in a shady spot in a cooler climate, you can set the thermostat to higher temperatures like 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 unit won’t be working overtime to provide cooling for a bunch of empty rooms.

While Sleeping

For a full night’s rest during summer weather, you want your thermostat set at a comfortable temperature. A great place to start is between 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit. You won’t have to worry about getting too hot or too cold at some point overnight.

Other Ways to Use Less Energy:

  • Smart thermostat installation: Using a smart thermostat in the summer can lower energy costs as it forms temperature schedules according to your lifestyle and idea of what comfortable is. A smart thermostat manages the temperature if you are home or sleeping, before 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. Scheduling smart thermostat installation in your Manassas 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 new 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 Manassas is a breeze for experienced professionals like Woody's Sudden Service.
  • Keep up with AC maintenance: Investing in or ignoring regular air conditioning maintenance in Manassas can have a significant impact on your utility bills. 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 key parts and lowers operational costs, resulting in lower energy usage and subsequently, smaller bills.
  • Replace your air filter regularly: Cleaning or replacing the air filter regularly saves money by helping air flow efficiently through your air conditioner. When filters become clogged, an AC unit has to work harder, and the added strain may impact 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 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 those in northern U.S. states should have 16-18 inches.
  • Review your ventilation: Damage to the ventilation is capable of increasing your energy bills much more than 20 percent, plus it can also lead to problems with your water heater, clothes dryer and other appliances throughout your home. Finding any leaks fast 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 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 in the long term.