Each day gets warmer and warmer here in Erlanger, KY, and the surrounding areas. Before you know it, summer will be here, bringing hot days and hot nights with it. One part of preparing your home for the upcoming hot and humid climate is by scheduling an air conditioning service with our Cincinnati or Erlanger team to make sure your AC can handle the summer heat. The part is by updating your smart thermostat settings!
Why Should I Update My Thermostat Settings?
There’s an ongoing debate between homeowners when it comes to changing their thermostat settings. Some believe that keeping the thermostat at a constant temperature all day long will help them save the most money because it makes their HVAC system more efficient. Others believe that it’s okay to change the settings to reflect their current comfort levels. Who’s right? Both sides hold a little truth to them. Let’s break it down and get to the bottom of this once and for all.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, homeowners can save as much as 10 percent on their utility bills if they adjust their thermostat temperatures for an empty house. When there is no one at home to keep comfortable, there is no sense in forcing your air conditioner to work as hard as usual in keeping the house cool. Bringing the temperature up by five to eight degrees will create a smaller difference between the indoor and outdoor climate. If your air conditioner works less, the cooling bills won’t be as expensive.
On the other hand, it’s important to note that you should limit the temperature changes to eight-hour time periods. If you micromanage your thermostat, you’re forcing your air conditioner to turn off then back on every time you switch gears. This is what makes cooling systems inefficient. Stick to the four pre-programmed options on your thermostat.
How Do I Program My Thermostat?
First, you’ll need to have a programmable thermostat installed in your home and synced with your existing HVAC system. Smart thermostats, WiFi thermostats, and (unsurprisingly) programmable thermostats all have this capability. Basic thermostats do not.
Then, it’s a good idea to check your user manual for specific instructions. Each brand has different settings, so you can educate yourself on how your specific thermostat works to avoid unnecessary frustration and a call to your comfort consultant. Follow these tips below when programming your thermostat.
Any Other Benefits I Should Know About?
Increased Cost Savings: Who doesn’t love a low energy bill? When your air conditioner performs as efficiently as possible, it uses less energy to cool your home.
Set It and Forget It: Programming your thermostat ahead of time lets you have total control over your indoor climate no matter where you are! It’s especially helpful for those of us who forget to check the thermostat on our way out the door.
Need a little help from your local Happy House team? No problem! We’ll be happy to get your house in order with a thermostat upgrade and air conditioning maintenance service, whether you live in Florence, KY, or Cincinnati, OH. Just call us today to get started.