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 help the thermostat plan for your preferred temperatures. That means you can have different temperature settings for when you’re home, away or even when you’re asleep.

If you're willing to make these adjustments, you can enjoy comfy temperatures while cutting down your energy bills. Here are some ways your thermostat can be a source of energy savings:

While at Home

When you’re home, you want a nice range of pleasant temperatures. That’s why it’s best to set your thermostat lower in the summer if you're indoors to make the most of 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. By adjusting things a few degrees, you can stay cool while still lowering your monthly energy bill.

While Away

If you're setting the temperature for when you are out of the house in summer, the majority of homeowners will set the thermostat higher for while they're gone.

Depending on the local climate or your home's location, you can set the thermostat to temperatures as high as 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 system isn't working around the clock to provide cooling for a bunch of empty rooms.

While Asleep

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. 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: Switching to 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. They can lower the temperature while you are home or sleeping, while allowing it to warm up when no one is home. With reliable brands like the Lennox iComfort, you are able to adjust settings and schedules through your smartphone, tablet or laptop. Requesting smart thermostat installation in your Covington home is an effortless way to set the correct temperature even when you aren’t home.
  • Replace current equipment with a newer HVAC system: A new 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 heat and cool your home. Air conditioning installation in Covington is a breeze for experienced professionals like Covington Air Systems.
  • Keep up with AC maintenance: Investing in or ignoring regular air conditioning maintenance in Covington can have a big impact on your monthly energy use. With regular cleaning of the coils, checking for damage and clearing ventilation of dust and debris, this can help your HVAC system run more efficiently. Increasing efficiency also limits strain on important or delicate components and lowers operational costs, resulting in lower energy usage and subsequently, smaller bills.
  • Clean or replace the air filter on a regular basis: Cleaning or replacing the air filter regularly saves money by improving airflow. When filters become clogged, air conditioners have to work harder, and this greater strain could shorten the system’s life span and cause breakdowns.
  • Check if you have enough insulation in the attic: Insulation is a vital part of maintaining an energy-efficient home, keeping the hot air outside and the cool air inside over the summer. The North American Insulation Manufacturers Association (NAIMA) offers an official recommendation stating homeowners in souther 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 also lead to problems with 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 address both concerns.
  • Seal all other leaky spots in your home: Finding and sealing any remaining leaks in your home with caulk, foam sealant or weather-stripping can help keep it cooler on hot summer days. You should also check for any gaps around windows, doors and even outdoor fixtures. Taking the time to seal up any leaks now can help you save a lot over time.