For a lot of families here in Montgomery, the return to school also means a change in your home’s daily rhythm. The house that was occupied most of the day all summer may now sit empty for several hours while everyone is at school and work.

As Montgomery REALTOR®’s, we’re always looking for simple ways homeowners can make their homes more comfortable, efficient, and ready for the season ahead. One easy place to start? Your thermostat.

Your Summer Thermostat Routine May Not Make Sense Anymore

During the summer, it’s easy to keep the air conditioning running at a consistent temperature because someone is usually home—kids are out of school, family schedules are less predictable, and the heat in Montgomery makes a cool house feel like a necessity.

But once school is back in session, your family's schedule changes.

If everyone leaves the house around 7 or 8 in the morning and doesn't return until the afternoon, there may be little reason to keep your home at the same temperature all day.

That's where a thermostat schedule can help.

Create a Schedule Around Your Family

If your thermostat is programmable or smart, take a few minutes to adjust it to your actual weekday routine.

A simple schedule might look something like:

  • Morning: Keep the house comfortable while everyone is getting ready.
  • School/work hours: Allow the temperature to rise a little while the house is empty.
  • Afternoon: Have the system begin cooling before everyone gets home.
  • Evening: Return to your preferred comfortable temperature.
  • Overnight: Adjust the setting based on how your family sleeps best.

You don't have to make dramatic temperature changes. The goal is simply to avoid cooling an empty house to the same temperature you prefer when everyone is home.

Remember: Montgomery Summers Don't Get the Memo

One thing we always remind homeowners around Montgomery is that "back to school" doesn't necessarily mean "fall weather."

August and even September can still bring plenty of hot, humid Alabama days.

So while adjusting your thermostat schedule makes sense, don't turn the system completely off during the day just because the kids aren't home. Keeping your home at a reasonable temperature helps manage the heat and humidity that come with our climate.

If you have questions about what settings make sense for your particular HVAC system, your HVAC professional is the best person to ask. Let us know if you need a recommendation.

While You're At It, Give Your HVAC System Some Attention

Back-to-school season is also a great reminder to check a few basic HVAC items around the house.

Take a look at your air filter and replace it if needed. Make sure vents aren't blocked by furniture, rugs, or other items. And if your system has been struggling to keep up with Montgomery's summer heat, don't wait until the first major problem to have it checked.

A little preventative maintenance can go a long way toward keeping your home comfortable.

A Small Change That Can Help Your Home Feel More Efficient

One of the things we love about homeownership is that improving your home doesn't always require a major renovation.

Sometimes it's simply about paying attention to how your home is being used.

When the kids go back to school, your family's schedule changes—and your home's schedule can change with it.

So if your thermostat is still running on the same routine you used in June and July, this is your reminder to give it a reset.

And if you're a homeowner in Montgomery, Pike Road, Prattville, or the surrounding River Region, remember that your home is more than an address. It's the place where all those daily routines happen—from the school-morning alarm to the afternoon rush through the front door.

Ready for Your Next Move?

Whether you're settling into a new school-year routine, looking for more space for your growing family, or thinking about putting your home on the market, Sandra Nickel and her Hat Team of Professionals are here to help make your next move as organized and stress-free as possible.

With local Montgomery-area expertise and personalized service, The Hat Team can guide you through every step of the process—from figuring out what your current home is worth to finding the right home for what's next.

Ready to make a move?

📞 Call us at 334-834-1500
🌐 Visit homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com to learn more about buying or selling a home in the Montgomery area.