We all like saving money on our monthly utility bills, but it turns out 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 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 asleep.

With a few simple adjustments, you'll be able to enjoy comfortable temperatures while also keeping more of your money. Take a look at a few ways your thermostat can save you money in the summer:

While at Home

Whenever you're at home, you want comfortable temperatures. It's only natural to want your thermostat lower in the summer while you are in the house 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'll avoid the worst of summer while still keeping your energy bills low.

While Out of the House

When setting the temperature for when you are out of the house in summer, the majority of homeowners will set the thermostat higher than normal.

Depending on the local climate or your home's location, you can set the thermostat to higher temperatures like 88 degrees while no one is home before you adjust it back to the sweet spot of 78-80 degrees after you 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 a temperature that's nice and cool. You should try and keep things between 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit. You won't have to worry about getting too hot or too cold while you're trying to sleep.

Additional Ways to Reduce Energy Use:

  • Put in a smart thermostat: Trying a smart thermostat in the summer is an excellent way to reduce energy costs by automatically adjusting to your lifestyle and home environment. It'll take care of making changes while you are home or sleeping, while allowing it to get a little warmer 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 Manassas home is an effortless way to set the correct temperature whether you're at home or across the country.
  • Replace current equipment with a newer HVAC system: A high-efficiency HVAC system saves money right from the start. By investing in a more energy-efficient system, your utility bills will be lower because it requires less energy to heat and cool your home. Air conditioning installation in Manassas is a great way to beat the heat in the summer.
  • Schedule annual AC maintenance: Whether or not you keep up with regular air conditioning maintenance in Manassas can have a serious effect on your total monthly energy use. If you stay on top of cleaning key components like the coils, checking for damage and clearing ventilation of dust and debris, you may notice your HVAC system run more efficiently. More efficient operation reduces strain on the unit and lowers operational costs, leading to lower energy usage, which translates into lower energy bills.
  • Replace your air filter regularly: A regular schedule for cleaning or replacing the HVAC system's air filter saves money by keeping airflow as smooth and consistent as possible. When filters are clogged with dirt and debris, your air conditioner will have to work harder, and this greater strain could shorten the system’s life span and cause 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 through summer. The North American Insulation Manufacturers Association (NAIMA) recommends that homes in the southern United 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. Finding any leaks fast and sealing them can fix both of those problems.
  • 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. Don't forget to 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.