5 Common Mistakes to Avoid With Your Programmable Thermostat

Ready to upgrade your home and get more control over the temperature with a programmable thermostat? It is a popular choice for many homeowners looking to enjoy the benefits of a comfortable home while also saving money on their heating and cooling costs. But it isn’t some magical cure-all for your air conditioner and furnace in San Jose, CA. If you don’t know how to use it, your programmable thermostat won’t make any difference in your cooling and heating costs. In fact, if misused you might have an even higher electricity bill. Here are some common mistakes you want to avoid:

Choosing the Wrong Thermostat
There are so many options at your disposal, it is no wonder choosing the wrong thermostat is a common problem. You don’t want to end up with the wrong brand or model that causes a miscommunication between the thermostat and the HVAC system. When deciding on a programmable thermostat you need something that is compatible with your HVAC system, fits your schedule, and is easy to use. Signs of an easy to use system include digital displays, vacation holds, eco-friendly programming, or the ability to make adjustments on your smartphone. Once you find the right brand and model read through some reviews and watch out for complaints related to complicated programming. Still not sure what to choose? Contact a heating and cooling expert to help you narrow down the options.
Using the Wrong Temperature Settings
Today a lot of homeowners tend to waste energy overheating and overcooling their homes. And while there is no way to define an absolute best temperature for every household, an optimal setting for winter usually falls between 64 and 70 degrees. And when you are using air conditioning in summer an optimal setting is between 76 and 82 degrees.
Keeping the Thermostat at the Same Temperature
The entire point of a programmable thermostat is the ability to adjust the temperature to meet your schedule. There is no point in running the air conditioner full tilt while you are away at work. In general, it is better to raise the temperature a bit in summer while you are away and lower the temperature a bit in winter. With a programmable thermostat, it is easy to set a schedule that matches your daily routines. That way you don’t have to remember to make the adjustments every time you leave and enter your home.
Adjusting the Thermostat to Heat/Cool More Quickly
The thermostat does not have any control over how quickly your HVAC system heats or cools your home. The only control you have is over the final temperature. Your system runs at the same rate, regardless of the setting. So think of your thermostat as a temperature limiter. Turning it higher or lower than your comfort level will simply allow the system to run fully until that set temperature is reached. As a result, you end up with an uncomfortably warm or cold space and a whole lot of wasted energy.
Adjusting the Thermostat Instead of Adding or Removing a Layer
With a programmable thermostat, some people get into the habit of constantly moving the temperature up and down. Having that kind of control, especially with just a tap on your smartphone, is so convenient. But it can also waste energy. Instead of adjusting the thermostat up a couple of degrees, pull on a sweater and warm socks or a blanket. Lowering the average temperature in your home by one degree can save up to 10% on heating expenses.

What you do with your thermostat can make a lot of difference. For more advice about buying and programming your thermostat, contact Pelle Heating & Air Conditioning. Stop by 1045 N 10th St., San Jose, CA 95112 and get all your questions answered. And if you need installation or maintenance for your San Jose, CA furnace and air conditioner call (669) 219-8957.

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