Everyone’s always looking to save money on their utility bills, but it just so happens there’s a way to keep costs down, even when you're out of the house.

It starts with your thermostat. By making the most out of your thermostat, you can tailor the temperature to your needs. That means you can have different temperature settings for when you’re at home, away or even when you’re asleep.

If you're willing to make these adjustments, you'll be able to enjoy comfortable temperatures while keeping more money in your pocket. Check out our guide on how your thermostat can be a source of energy savings:

While at Home

Whenever you're at home, you want a nice range of pleasant temperatures. 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 usually between 78 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. By adjusting things a few degrees, you'll keep cool while still keeping your energy bills low.

While Gone

When it comes to setting the temperature for whenever you're gone, it's extremely common to move the thermostat higher for while they're gone.

If your home is located somewhere a little cooler, you can set the thermostat to higher temperatures like 88 degrees while no one is home before lowering it back to the sweet spot of 78-80 degrees once you're home again. This way, your air conditioning system isn't working around the clock to keep an empty house cool.

While Sleeping

For a full night's rest during summer weather, you want a temperature that's nice and cool. You should try and keep things between 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit. There's less risk of getting too hot or too cold while you're trying to sleep.

Other Ways to Use Less Energy:

  • Install a smart thermostat: Using 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. A smart thermostat manages the temperature if you are home or sleeping, while allowing it to warm up when no one is around. Using reputed brands and models such as the Lennox iComfort, you are able to adjust settings and schedules through your smartphone, tablet or laptop. Requesting smart thermostat installation in your Michigan City home is an effortless way to set the correct temperature no matter where you are.
  • Update your existing HVAC system: Upgrading your HVAC system can save money in the long run. With greater energy efficiency, lower utility bills won't be far behind since it requires less energy to achieve comfortable temperatures. Air conditioning installation in Michigan City 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 Michigan City can have a big impact on your monthly energy use. With regular cleaning of 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.. Higher energy efficiency will also reduce strain on important or delicate components and lowers operational costs, resulting in lower energy usage and subsequently, smaller bills.
  • Replace your air filter regularly: Regularly changing the air filters in your HVAC system saves money by helping air flow efficiently through your air conditioner. When filters become clogged, air conditioners have to work harder, and the strain can reduce the system’s life span and cause breakdowns.
  • Check if you have enough insulation in the attic: 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) suggests that homeowners living in southern climates should possess at least 13-14 inches of insulation, while colder climates do better with 16-18 inches.
  • Inspect your ventilation: Leaky ductwork can raise 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. Watching for signs of leaks and sealing them can help with both these issues.
  • Seal all other leaky spots in your home: Finding and sealing any remaining 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. Devoting time and effort to sealing leaks now can help you save a lot in the long run.