Programmable thermostats are a great way to save energy and make your home more comfortable, and they’re easy to use if you know some best practices. Here are some tips to get the most out of your thermostat.
Stick to Recommended Temperatures
The U.S. Department of Energy recommends keeping your AC at 78 degrees in the summer and 68 degrees in the winter for the highest energy efficiency. While these may seem like uncomfortable temperatures for some, it doesn’t take long for your body to adjust.
Plan Around Your Work Schedule
When you’re away from home, like at work or on vacation, lower or raise the temperature a couple of degrees to save even more energy. However, bigger is not better in this situation. Use small increments of a couple of degrees — 78 to 80 degrees or 68 to 66 degrees — to keep your HVAC system from overworking when switching between “away” and “home” settings.
By programming your thermostat to bring the temperature back to your “home” setting about 30 minutes before you usually get home, it will be ready and comfortable for you. If your thermostat allows, you can also program your thermostat to cool the home more before you go to sleep for greater comfort at night – a must-have for some homeowners when it comes to comfort.
Stick to Your Programming
Especially in the days, or even weeks, after adjusting your thermostat settings, it can be tempting to change the temperature when you’re uncomfortable. However, constantly changing settings make your AC work harder and waste energy. Use sweaters and blankets during the winter or summer clothing and fans during warm months to help you adjust to the temperature.
Thermostat Installation is for Pros
There’s no better way to ensure that you’re using your programmable thermostat correctly than to make sure it’s installed correctly. A thermostat can only work for you if it’s installed properly. When buying a programmable thermostat, make sure to have it installed professionally.
For more information or to schedule AC repair or air conditioning installation, contact Air Clinic Air Conditioning & Heating today.