We all like saving money on our monthly utility bills, but it just so happens there’s a way to lower energy use, even when you’re not even home.

It starts with your thermostat. By using automatic schedules, 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 sleeping.

With a few simple adjustments, you can enjoy comfy temperatures while cutting down your energy bills. Take a look at a few ways your thermostat can save you money in the summer:

While at Home

Pretty much whenever you’re home, you want comfortable temperatures. That’s why it’s best to set your thermostat lower in the summer while inside 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 keeping your energy bills low.

While Out of the House

When it comes to setting the temperature for a vacation or other trip away from the house, it’s advantageous to set the thermostat higher than normal.

For some homes, you can set the temperature as high as 88 degrees while no one is home before you adjust 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 keep an empty house cool.

While Asleep

For a full night’s rest during summer weather, you want a nice cool temperature. You should try and keep things between 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit. This will keep you from getting too hot or too cold while you’re trying to sleep.

Other Ways to Use Less Energy:

  • Smart thermostat installation: 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 personal preferences. It’ll take care of making changes while you are home or sleeping, while allowing it to get a little warmer when the house is empty. Using reputed brands and models such as the Lennox iComfort, you have the ability to remotely access and change the temperature through your smartphone, tablet or laptop. Requesting smart thermostat installation in your Rapid City home is an effortless way to set the correct temperature no matter where you are.
  • Upgrade your HVAC system: Upgrading your HVAC system is another great option for long-term energy savings. With greater energy efficiency, you can also count on lower utility bills since more efficient equipment requires less energy to achieve comfortable temperatures. Air conditioning installation in Rapid City is a great way to beat the heat in the summer.
  • Schedule annual AC maintenance: Investing in or ignoring regular air conditioning maintenance in Rapid 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 run more efficiently. 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: Cleaning or replacing the air filter regularly saves money by improving airflow. When filters are clogged with dirt and debris, an AC unit has to work harder, and this greater strain could shorten the system’s life span and result in breakdowns.
  • Check if you have enough insulation in the attic: Insulation is one of the key components in any energy-efficient home, securing the hot air outside and the cool air inside during the summer. The North American Insulation Manufacturers Association (NAIMA) recommends that homes in the southern United States should install at least 13-14 inches of insulation, while states further north need 16-18 inches.
  • Review your ductwork: A leak in the air ducts could increase your energy bills much more than 20 percent, plus it can potentially allow harmful emissions from your water heater, clothes dryer and other appliances to get into the atmosphere of 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. You should also 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.