Is there an ideal thermostat setting that helps save money and energy?

Not everyone lives in a city that offers fairly pleasant weather throughout the year. A majority of people live in places where they need to deal with the scorching hot summers or bitterly cold winters. For them, it is important to constantly run the heaters or air conditioners throughout the day. This leads to increased energy bills which may run into hundreds of dollars.

If you live in an area where living without an HVAC system is not functional, it is important to learn how to manage your thermostat. This will not only help you keep your home at a comfortable temperature but also keep your electric bill down.

Winter Thermostat Setting

What should be the ideal winter thermostat setting? You may ask. Well, during winter, set the thermostat to 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

During cool weather, the furnace pump warm air into the room to match the temperature set on the thermostat. Further, the furnace switches off until the room’s temperature falls a couple of degrees. At this point, the furnace starts working again to reach the pre-set temperature. This goes on back and forth.

Remember the higher you set your thermostat, harder the furnace will have to work and in turn, you will receive higher electricity bills.

Setting the thermostat at 60 degrees will keep the air warm enough to help you achieve a comfortable temperature. However, make sure you slip on some warm slippers, throw on a sweater or two, and enjoy your favorite hot drink to keep yourself warm.

However, if you want to lounge around in your t-shirt and shorts during winter, get ready to shell out more money to cover the electricity bills.

When should I Adjust the Thermostat?

It is recommended to invest in programmable thermostat as it will help you keep your home at a comfortable temperature throughout the day.

However, if you own a manual thermostat, it is recommended to adjust the thermostat down a bit before bedtime as you won’t notice the cold, once you are in bed with your warm blanket.

While some people also recommend shutting down the furnace at night, it is not recommended for people who live in places where the temperature can get really low.

Summer Thermostat Setting

Ideally, you should keep the thermostat at 78 degrees Fahrenheit during summer. While most people are comfortable at around 72 to 73 degrees, an air conditioner works similar to a furnace.

It blasts cool air into the room until the equipment internal thermostat reaches the set temperature. At this stage, the machine shuts off until the room’s temperature rises a few degrees. Again the air conditioner starts blasting cool air to return the room to the set temperature. This goes on back and forth.

The lower you set the thermostat, harder the machine has to work. Therefore, setting the thermostat at 78 degrees will keep the air cool enough to keep you at a comfortable temperature. Moreover, you won’t notice the difference between 73 degrees and 78 degrees, however, your utility bills will show a huge difference. Also, if you are spending time outdoors, coming home to a 78 degrees temperature will feel a lot better.

Will the ceiling fan help?

Yes.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, ceiling fans help you to raise the temperature by as much as 4 degrees without any noticeable difference in comfort. Moreover, on a windy day, you can shut off the air conditioner, open the windows, switch on the fans and enjoy the cool breeze.

Should I leave The HAVC System on When I Leave the House?

Most people are often confused about whether they should leave their HVAC system on when they leave their house to come back home to a comfortable temperature or not? However, it should be remembered that when you are not at home, the HVAC system should be turned off.

The heating or cooling system is designed for your comfort and when you are not at home, how can you enjoy it? While no one loves coming back to a cold home, this is why you should invest in a programmable thermostat.

If you are still using the manual thermostat, switch it on once you are back home. The discomfort you will experience will be temporary as the house will reach the desired temperature in no time. Using this approach will help you reduce your electricity bills.

But What If I go on an Extended Vacation?

As suggested earlier, when you are not at home for an extended period of time, it is advised to turn off the HVAC system. However, there are a few things you should consider when shutting off the system for an extended period of time.

  • Winter

    Do you live in an area that gets extremely cold? While the water freezes at 32 degrees Fahrenheit, it does not mean your pipes will freeze one the temperature dips too low. While homes in colder climates are built with insulated pipes, homes in a milder climate are at higher risk of having frozen pipes during winter.

    However, if you have experienced frozen pipes in the past, make sure to take the required precautions.

  • Summer

    If you live in an area that experience very high heat and humidity, turning the air conditioner off completely may not be recommended. High humidity levels may lead to the growth of mold and rot in the home, leading to food spoilage in the pantry and more.

    This is when having a programmable thermostat gives you the freedom to use the air conditioner whenever you require.

    We hope this guide may help you in the keeping your home at a comfortable level while helping you reduce your energy bills. This by no mean is a comprehensive guide, but are suggestions on how to keep the bills low while maintaining a comfortable temperature in your home.