Your home’s ideal temperature for your HVAC system should always provide convenience and maximum comfort to your indoor environment. However, we all understand how difficult and costly it can be to maintain the ideal home temperature depending on the season.
One simple way to manage your home’s temperature is by adjusting your thermostat temperature according to your unique habits, preferences, and of course the outdoor temperature. Always considered the recommended thermostat setting but don’t be afraid to make a few tweaks that can save you a lot of money in the long run. Here are a few thermostat tips to keep down your energy bills this summer.
Set Your Thermostat to "Auto"
Setting your thermostat to auto can save you a lot of money since the fan will only run when the furnace tells it to. During the heating process, the fan is controlled by either a limit circuit or a timer circuit in the unit.
The fan will start about a minute after the burners light and go off about a minute after the ideal temperature has been achieved. Switching to the “auto” mode means less energy usage since the fan runs the least amount of times.
Set Your Thermostat Properly for Your Home
You are the homeowner, and you know what suits you. Make sure that your thermostat is set to your preferred temperature. However, you should consider turning down your thermostat five to ten degrees at night and turning it up again in the morning as you prepare your coffee.
There is a common myth that when you lower your thermostat reading for only a few hours, it will take you a lot of time to bring your home back to the ideal temperature. However, this isn’t the case at all. During the warm weather, consider setting your AC to about 78 degrees while you are at home and 85 degrees while you are away.
Invest In a programmable or Smart Thermostat
If you are still using the conventional thermostats with dials and other sliding components, then know that you are wasting a lot of energy. Make sure that you invest in a quality programmable or smart thermostat that allows you to set your cooling or heating schedule so that your HVAC system doesn’t swing into action while you are away from home.
Smart thermostats can learn your heating and cooling preferences over time and help you save a lot of money in the long run. Some of them also come with the holiday setting that will keep your home warm and prevent water damage while you are away enjoying your holiday.
Reduce the Sunlight
A lot of sunlight streaming in through your windows can also raise the temperature of your home leading to an increase in your utility bills. Consider blocking the sunlight from entering your house so that you can enjoy the calming effect.
Plant some shade trees near your windows or use shades to curb the encroaching sunlight. Curtains are another low-cost option that you can use to block the sunlight. You can also keep blinds and drapes open throughout daylight hours during winter to take advantage of the little sun’s warmth.
Set Your Water Heater to 120 Degrees
All water heaters usually have the maximum temperature that controls how hot the water in your faucets can be at any given time. However, the temperature of your water heater also plays a critical role in determining your monthly energy bill.
According to the US Department of Energy, the ideal temperature to set your water heater to is 120 degrees, since this saves you the most money. Turning down your water heater temperature to 120 degrees can save you up to $100 a year. This temperature is also eco-friendly and helps you stay away from burns.
If you’re dealing with HVAC issues or you just need a maintenance check-up, contact David Gray Heating & Air or call (904) 605-8190. We can help.