Everyone’s always looking to save money on their utility bills, but you should know 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 help the thermostat plan for your preferred temperatures. That means you can have different 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. Check out our guide on how your thermostat can be a source of energy savings:

While at Home

When you’re home, you want comfortable temperatures. It's only natural to want your thermostat lower in the summer while you are in the house to appreciate the cool air.

But the most energy-efficient temperatures for when you're in your home during the summer is actually around 78 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. This way, you'll avoid the worst of summer while keeping your energy bill more manageable.

While Away

When setting the temperature for whenever you're gone, the majority of homeowners will set the thermostat higher than normal.

For some homes, you can set the thermostat to higher temperatures like 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 system isn't working around the clock to provide cooling for a bunch of empty rooms.

While Sleeping

For a full night's rest during summer weather, you want a nice cool temperature. A good rule of thumb is between 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit. This will keep you from getting too hot or too cold at some point overnight.

Additional Ways to Reduce Energy Use:

  • Smart thermostat installation: Trying a smart thermostat in the summer helps save money on 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, before allowing it to warm up when no one is around. Using reputed brands and models such as the Lennox iComfort, you can adjust the temperature remotely through your smartphone, tablet or laptop. Requesting smart thermostat installation in your Fredericksburg home is an effortless way to set the correct temperature no matter where you are.
  • Upgrade your HVAC system: A high-efficiency HVAC system can save money in the long run. If a system boasts high energy efficiency, lower utility bills won't be far behind since it requires less energy to heat and cool your home. Air conditioning installation in Fredericksburg is only a phone call away, so don't hesitate to reach out to local pros like Childress Heating & AC who can set you up for success.
  • Stay on top of routine AC maintenance: Hiring a skilled professional to perform regular air conditioning maintenance in Fredericksburg can have a big impact on your 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, this can help your HVAC system run more efficiently. Increasing efficiency also limits strain on important or delicate components 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: Cleaning or replacing the air filter regularly saves money by helping air flow efficiently through your air conditioner. When filters are old and less effective, air conditioners have to work harder, and the strain can reduce the system’s life span and cause breakdowns.
  • Check if you have enough insulation in the attic: 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) offers an official recommendation stating homeowners in souther states should install at least 13-14 inches of insulation, while colder climates do better with 16-18 inches.
  • Inspect your ductwork: Leaky ductwork can raise your energy bills much more than 20 percent, plus it can affect equipment such as your water heater, clothes dryer and other appliances throughout your home. Checking your ductwork for leaks 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 keeps temperatures a little 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 in the long run.