Thermostat controls and settings are mainly meant to alter your temperature according to your comfort level. However, did you know that certain thermostat settings can not only help you stay comfortable but can also save you money? Try out American Air & Heat’s best thermostat settings and controls to save you money on your next energy bill!
- Turn Your Thermostat Back A Few Degrees for 8 Hours a Day
- Set a Reasonable Temperature
If it is about 95 degrees outside and you set your indoor temperature much lower, like 60 degrees, your HVAC unit will have to work overtime to provide the desired cooling. This can place an unnecessary burden on your unit and lead to an increase in your energy bill. The Department of Energy recommends setting your thermostat at around 78 degrees to save money in the hotter months. Even if you don’t set your temperature by the DOE recommendation, just make sure it is in a more reasonable setting. - Make Use of All Your Thermostat Controls
If you happen to have a programmable thermostat, make sure you take advantage of the various features it has such as vacation mode, weekly and daily schedule, air filter change indicator light, etc. If you are blessed with a smart thermostat, you will have even more interesting features such as remote control via iPhone or tablet, energy and maintenance reports, room-specific temperature settings, sensors, and more! Make sure you learn about these features and tinker with them to figure out the most optimal and energy-saving settings for you!
Simply turn your thermostat back 7-10 degrees from its normal setting (if it’s hot, turn it up a few degrees, if it’s cold do the opposite) for 8 hours or so. If you have a programmable thermostat, you can schedule this thermostat setting weekly or daily. Try this out for a month or so and see if it makes a difference! According to the Department of Energy, if you do this consistently, you can save up to 10% on your energy bill. While this trick is ideal for the days your house is unoccupied for longer periods, you can try it out while you’re at home as well—that is, if you can handle the heat (or the cold, depending on the weather)!
Other Ways to Stay Comfortable Without Messing with Your HVAC Unit
Here are some ways you can stay comfortable, regardless of the weather, without burdening your HVAC unit:
- Use ceilings fans to stay cool
- Ensure your home is well-insulated
- Make sure the weatherstripping on your doors and windows is intact
- Make sure your home doesn’t have any major air leaks
- Use sun-blocking curtains to keep unnecessary heat out
- On cool days, keep your shades and curtains open
Have any more questions about the best thermostat settings to save you money? Get in touch with the pros at American Air & Heat! Call us today at (407) 512-9337 or schedule a service online!
