The air conditioner likely takes the biggest bite out of your home energy bill during the summer by accounting for nearly 50% of your energy use, Woroch said. So, if you leave the temperature setting too low while you’re at work or on vacation, your energy bill will likely soar.
Woroch recommends installing a programmable thermostat, so the temperature will automatically adjust while you’re away to keep you from wasting energy cooling an empty home. Over the course of a year, a programmable thermostat can cut about $180 from your electric bill, according to Consumer Reports.