Three Tips To Utilize Your Thermostat Correctly

If you’re looking to cut down on utility costs, learning how to set your thermostat correctly is a simple way to reduce energy usage. To make the most out of your device, Efficient Systems is here to share some tips on the best thermostat practices for optimal performance and savings. Read on to discover how your system can be made more efficient!

How To Use Your Thermostat

Temperature Setting

Balancing your comfort needs and energy-efficiency goals is key to finding the best cost-effective settings for your Beaumont home. A good starting point is to lower your thermostat to a setting as low as is comfortable for your family during winter to utilize less energy. You can follow the same strategy in the summer by raising the temperature to a higher setting than usual for year-round savings.

The smaller the difference between the indoor and outdoor temperatures, the lower your overall cooling bill will be, according to the Department of Energy. Rather than adjusting your thermostat, try practicing alternative cooling and warming techniques to help keep your electricity costs down. For example, layer up with clothes and blankets in the winter, and make use of ceiling and portable fans in the summer.

Fan Setting

As for your AC fan, it should remain set to “auto” to avoid excessive energy usage and costs. When your fan stays “on,” it blows continuously even when your system is in between run cycles and regardless of whether the temperature setting is already met. Constantly overworking your AC fan can not only rack up hefty utility bills but also reduce the lifespan of your unit.

Keeping your fan “on” wastes energy, but it is still beneficial for momentary instances when you need ventilation, such as after cooking or burning something. For the most part, however, you want to keep your system on “auto” to ensure your fan only blows air when the unit is running.

Setback Setting

For those with a programmable thermostat, utilizing the setback settings allows you to schedule temperature routines for the weekend and weekdays. With a pre-set schedule, you can program your thermostat settings to adjust during periods of time when your home is usually empty, such as when you’re at work and the kids are at school.

Optimize this setting to meet the needs of your family’s schedule for a temperature routine that offers both cost-efficiency and a comfortable atmosphere when everyone’s home. Customizing your temperature settings can significantly lower your yearly heating and cooling costs, so if you don’t already have a programmable model, it might be time for an upgrade!

Manual vs. Programmable Thermostat

You can certainly achieve your savings goals with a manual thermostat, but a programmable thermostat offers more convenience and efficiency. Instead of having to adjust your temperature settings every time you leave or wake up in the morning, you can pre-set it to fit your schedule. For even more control, smart thermostats allow you remote access to your home’s temperature settings via a smartphone or tablet, saving you more time and money.

Thermostat Installation

Finding the right location for your thermostat is crucial to its overall performance. For the best results, install your device on an interior wall away from direct sunlight, doorways, windows and any drafty spaces that can affect its operation. It must remain unobstructed on all sides, so make sure there is no furniture or wall art near your device to ensure optimal programming.

Even if you have basic electrical knowledge, installing a new thermostat is not exactly a DIY project due to various potential risks, such as:

• Electric shock
• Blowing a circuit breaker
• Damaging your thermostat or electrical system
• Poor system performance
• Voiding your warranty

To protect yourself and your unit, it’s best to leave the installation to the pros!

Hire A Local HVAC Company

Whether you need AC thermostat repair or replacement, Efficient Systems is here to help. We proudly offer residential and commercial services in communities all over Southeast Texas, so give us a call if you’re ready for your thermostat service!