We all like saving money on our monthly utility bills, but it just so happens there’s a way to do it when you aren’t even home.

The key is your thermostat. By using automatic schedules, you can structure its daily schedule around your personal preferences. That means you can have different temperature settings for when you’re home, away or even when you’re asleep.

By trying a few of these schedules, you have more time to enjoy pleasant temperatures while keeping more money in your pocket. Take a look at a few ways your thermostat doesn’t have to use up all your summer spending money:

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 if you’re indoors to appreciate the cool air.

But the ideal temperature for the summer is usually between 78 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. This way, you’ll avoid the worst of summer while keeping your energy bill more manageable.

While Out of the House

If you’re setting the temperature for a vacation or other trip away from the house, it’s extremely common to move the thermostat higher than you would if you were in the house.

If your home is in a shady spot in a cooler climate, 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 after you return. This way, your air conditioning won’t have to work constantly to provide cooling for a bunch of empty rooms.

While Sleeping

When it comes to sleeping in the summer, you want a nice cool temperature. A good rule of thumb is between 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit. There’s less risk of getting too hot or too cold when you are trying to get some rest.

Additional Ways to Reduce Energy Use:

  • Smart thermostat installation: Using a smart thermostat in the summer can lower 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, before 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. Planning smart thermostat installation in your McAllen home is an effortless way to set the correct temperature no matter where you are.
  • Upgrade your HVAC system: A new HVAC system saves money right from the start. By investing in a more energy-efficient system, you can also count on lower utility bills since more efficient equipment requires less energy to achieve comfortable temperatures. Air conditioning installation in McAllen is a great way to beat the heat in the summer.
  • Keep up with AC maintenance: Whether or not you keep up with regular air conditioning maintenance in McAllen 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, you may notice your HVAC system perform better during day-to-day use.. More efficient operation reduces strain on important or delicate components and lowers operational costs, lowering total energy use and eventually the total monthly bill.
  • Clean or replace the air filter on a regular basis: A regular schedule for cleaning or replacing the HVAC system’s air filter saves money by improving airflow. When filters are old and less effective, 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 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.
  • Review your ventilation: Leaky ductwork can raise 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. It’s also important 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.