It’s always nice when we manage to save money on our 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 making the most out of your thermostat, you can structure its daily schedule around your personal preferences. This means establishing various temperature settings for when you’re home, away or even when you’re sleeping.

If you’re willing to make these adjustments, you can enjoy comfy temperatures while keeping more money in your pocket. Here are some ways your thermostat can be a source of energy savings:

While at Home

Whenever you’re at home, you want to enjoy a comfortable temperature. For the most part, you probably have your thermostat lower in the summer while you are in the house to appreciate the cool air.

But in terms of energy efficiency, the best range for when you’re in your home during the summer is in fact anywhere between 78 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. This way, you can stay cool while keeping your energy bill more manageable.

While Gone

If you’re setting the temperature for whenever you’re gone, it’s extremely common to move the thermostat higher than you would if you were in the house.

For some homes, 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 when you or a family member return. This way, your air conditioning system isn’t working around the clock to provide cooling for a bunch of empty rooms.

While Sleeping

For a full night’s rest during summer weather, you want a temperature that’s nice and cool. A great place to start is between 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit. This will keep you from getting too hot or too cold while you’re trying to sleep.

Additional Ways to Reduce Energy Use:

  • 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. It’ll take care of making changes while you are home or sleeping, before allowing it to get a little warmer when the house is empty. 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 Mason City 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, lower utility bills won’t be far behind since it requires less energy to heat and cool your home. Air conditioning installation in Mason City is a breeze for experienced professionals like Mechanical Air Systems Co.
  • Keep up with AC maintenance: Hiring a skilled professional to perform regular air conditioning maintenance in Mason City can have a serious effect on your total monthly energy use. With regular cleaning of the coils, checking for damage and clearing ventilation of dust and debris, you may notice your HVAC system perform better during day-to-day use.. Higher energy efficiency will also reduce strain on important or delicate components and lowers operational costs, leading to lower energy usage, which translates into lower energy bills.
  • Replace your air filter regularly: Regularly changing the air filters in your HVAC system saves money by improving airflow. When filters are clogged with dirt and debris, air conditioners have to work harder, and this greater strain could shorten the system’s life span and result in breakdowns.
  • Check your attic 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) suggests that homeowners living in southern climates should possess at least 13-14 inches of insulation, while those in northern U.S. states should have 16-18 inches.
  • Check your air ducts: Damage to the ventilation is capable of increasing 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. Finding any leaks fast 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 can help keep it cooler on hot summer days. Don’t forget 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 run.