Your heating and cooling systems require a lot of energy to function. As a result, running them can be quite expensive.
However, there are ways to save money by changing thermostat settings, without sacrificing too much comfort.
Because your thermostat settings depend on personal comfort, we’re going to tell you how to figure out which temperature you should set your thermostat at.
Recommended thermostat settings
Your thermostat settings will depend largely on what you personally find comfortable. Of course, some days get too hot and some days get too cold.
There are other considerations for your thermostat as well. Your HVAC system might have an optimum temperature set by the manufacturer for maximum energy savings, in which case, use those settings.
Temperature Settings for When You’re At Home
When you’re at home, set your thermostat to the temperature that is most comfortable. However, you can set it to a higher or lower temperature if you follow a few tips.
A ceiling fan is perfect for cooling you down during a hot summer day, and thicker, warmer clothing is ideal if it’s in the middle of winter.
So, for example, if it’s summertime and you find 75 degrees comfortable, you can set it to 77 and run the ceiling fan in the rooms where you’re spending the most time.
Temperature Settings for When You’re Away
There’s no use in heating or cooling an empty house. However, you won’t want to just turn off the whole system while you’re away, and you don’t want to set the thermostat too high or too low just because you’re not going to be in the house. This will cause the HVAC system to work much harder than it needs to when you come back and turn the temperature settings back to what’s comfortable.
You want to set your thermostat a little warmer in the summer when you’re away, and a little hotter in the winter. Let’s say a comfortable temperature for you is 75 degrees. If you’re away in the summer, you might want to set it to 85 and keep all the blinds and windows closed. Then, when you get home, set it back to 75.
You’re going to want to install a programmable thermostat or, preferably, a thermostat with motion sensors that can help figure out when you’re away or at home. This way, you don’t have to change your thermostat multiple times per day.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
You want your AC working hardest on the hottest days. But you don’t want to set your temperature too low to compensate for feeling hot. Otherwise, it might work too hard and waste energy.
If you’re in an area where it cools down during the night time, you can turn off the AC and open the windows at night. Then, in the morning, keep the blinds and windows closed to prevent heat from seeping into the home either via warm air or light.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Winter
Winter months can get a bit colder, but you generally want to keep your winter temperatures colder than your summer temperatures. Since it’s still colder inside than outside, the home will still be much more comfortable than the alternative.
If you’re willing to set your temperature a little colder than comfortable while keeping on warmer garments, this could help reduce your energy costs.
Where Not To Place your Thermostat
Do not put your thermostat near electric appliances and tools like a television, lamp, or anything that can potentially emit heat.
This can “confuse” the thermostat and make it think that it’s hotter than it really is, causing it to set your AC to run much more than it should.
Invest In High Efficiency HVAC System
The best way to save money during all months of the year is to invest in a heating and cooling system that uses much less energy to operate.
High-efficiency systems are an excellent upgrade to furnaces or air conditioners that are starting to get old and weak. Best of all, you can get rebates for purchasing a high efficiency system.
Ask us about rebates available for upgrading your
HVAC system to a high efficiency system!
