Everyone’s always looking to save money on their utility bills, but it just so happens there’s a way to lower energy use, even when you're not even home.

The key is your thermostat. By using automatic schedules, you can tailor the temperature to your needs. You can create a number of automated temperature settings for when you’re at home, away or even when you’re sleeping.

By trying a few of these schedules, 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 to enjoy a comfortable temperature. That’s why it’s best to set your thermostat lower in the summer while you are in the house to make the most of the cool air.

But the most energy-efficient temperatures for the summer is usually between 78 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. By adjusting things a few degrees, you'll keep cool while keeping your energy bill more manageable.

While Gone

When setting the temperature for when you are out of the house in summer, it's extremely common to move the thermostat higher than you would if you were in the house.

If your home is located somewhere a little cooler, 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 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 at some point overnight.

Additional Ways to Reduce Energy Use:

  • Install a smart thermostat: Switching to a smart thermostat in the summer helps save money on energy costs since it can plan your temperature adjustments according to your lifestyle and idea of what comfortable is. A smart thermostat manages the temperature if you are home or sleeping, before allowing it to warm up 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. Scheduling smart thermostat installation in your Mankato area home can be the simplest strategy for maintaining comfortable, yet energy-efficient temperatures even when you aren’t home.
  • Upgrade your HVAC system: Upgrading your HVAC system can save money in the long run. 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 Mankato area is only a phone call away, so don't hesitate to reach out to local pros like Northern Comfort Inc who can set you up for success.
  • Keep up with AC maintenance: Investing in or ignoring regular air conditioning maintenance in Mankato area can have a serious effect on your total monthly energy use. By regularly cleaning 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 the unit and lowers operational costs, leading to lower energy usage, which translates into lower energy bills.
  • Clean or replace the air filter on a regular basis: Regularly changing the air filters in your HVAC system saves money by helping air flow efficiently through your air conditioner. 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.
  • Confirm your attic is sufficiently insulated: Insulation is a crucial component for any energy-efficient home, keeping the hot air outside and the cool air inside during the summer. The North American Insulation Manufacturers Association (NAIMA) offers an official recommendation stating homeowners in souther states should possess at least 13-14 inches of insulation, while states further north need 16-18 inches.
  • Review your air ducts: Damage to the ventilation is capable of increasing your energy bills much more than 20 percent, plus it can also lead to problems with 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: Finding and sealing any remaining leaks 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 over time.