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

It starts with your thermostat. By learning more about its special features and settings, you can help the thermostat plan for your preferred temperatures. You can create a number of automated temperature settings for when you’re at home, away or even when you’re sleeping.

With a few simple adjustments, you have more time to enjoy pleasant temperatures while cutting down your energy bills. Take a look at a few ways your thermostat doesn't have to use up all your summer spending money:

While at Home

Pretty much whenever you're home, you want a nice range of pleasant temperatures. For the most part, you probably have your thermostat lower in the summer while inside 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. With this adjustment, you'll keep cool while keeping your energy bill more manageable.

While Out of the House

When it comes to setting the temperature for a vacation or other trip away from the house, it's extremely common to move the thermostat higher than normal.

For some homes, 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 unit won’t be working overtime to keep an empty house cool.

While Asleep

To enjoy a good night's sleep during the summer, you want a nice cool temperature. You should try and keep things between 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit. You won't have to worry about getting too hot or too cold at some point overnight.

Other Ways to Use Less Energy:

  • Smart thermostat installation: Trying a smart thermostat in the summer helps save money on energy costs by automatically adjusting to your lifestyle and home environment. A smart thermostat manages the temperature if you are home or sleeping, while allowing it to warm up when no one is home. With models like the Lennox iComfort, you can adjust the temperature remotely through your smartphone, tablet or laptop. Requesting smart thermostat installation in your Portland home is an effortless way to set the correct temperature even when you aren’t home.
  • Upgrade your HVAC system: Upgrading your HVAC system can save money in the long run. If a system boasts high energy efficiency, your utility bills will be lower because it requires less energy to reach your preferred temperatures. Air conditioning installation in Portland is only a phone call away, so don't hesitate to reach out to local pros like All Solutions Heating & Cooling who can set you up for success.
  • Schedule annual AC maintenance: Investing in or ignoring regular air conditioning maintenance in Portland 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, this can help your HVAC system perform better during day-to-day use.. Higher energy efficiency will also reduce strain on important or delicate components and lowers operational costs, leading to lower energy usage, which translates into lower energy bills.
  • Replace your air filter regularly: Regularly changing the air filters in your HVAC system 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 lead to breakdowns.
  • Check your attic insulation: Insulation is one of the key components in 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 have at least 13-14 inches of insulation, while those in northern U.S. states should have 16-18 inches.
  • Inspect your air ducts: Damage to the ventilation is capable of increasing 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. Finding any leaks fast and sealing them can address both concerns.
  • Seal all other leaky spots in your home: Sealing leaky spots in your home with caulk, foam sealant or weather-stripping keeps temperatures a little cooler on 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.