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.

It starts with 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 home, away or even when you’re asleep.

With a few simple adjustments, you can enjoy comfy temperatures while also keeping more of your money. Here are some ways your thermostat can be a source of energy savings:

While at Home

Whenever you're at home, you want comfortable temperatures. For the most part, you probably have your thermostat lower in the summer if you're indoors to make the most of the cool air.

But the ideal temperature for when you're in your home during the summer is in fact anywhere between 78 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. By adjusting things a few degrees, you can stay cool while keeping your energy bill more manageable.

While Away

When setting the temperature for when you are out of the house in summer, it's extremely common to move the thermostat higher for while they're gone.

Depending on the local climate or your home's location, you can set the temperature as high as 88 degrees while no one is home before lowering 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 cool an empty house.

While Sleeping

When it comes to sleeping in the summer, you want your thermostat set at a comfortable temperature. You should try and keep things between 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit. There's less risk of getting too hot or too cold when you are trying to get some rest.

Additional Ways to Reduce Energy Use:

  • Put in a smart thermostat: Using a smart thermostat in the summer can lower energy costs by automatically adjusting to your lifestyle and home environment. They can lower the temperature while you are home or sleeping, before allowing it to warm up when the house is empty. With models like the Lennox iComfort, you can adjust the temperature remotely through your smartphone, tablet or laptop. Requesting smart thermostat installation in your Kearney home is an effortless way to set the correct temperature no matter where you are.
  • Update your existing HVAC system: A high-efficiency 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 reach your preferred temperatures. Air conditioning installation in Kearney is only a phone call away, so don't hesitate to reach out to local pros like Thurston Heating & Air Conditioning who can set you up for success.
  • Schedule annual AC maintenance: Investing in or ignoring regular air conditioning maintenance in Kearney can have a big impact on your monthly energy use. 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.. Higher energy efficiency will also reduce strain on the unit 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 improving airflow. When filters are old and less effective, 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, 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 colder climates do better with 16-18 inches.
  • Inspect your ductwork: 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 up other leaks in your home with caulk, foam sealant or weather-stripping keeps temperatures a little 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 run.