The heating and cooling system in your home should make comfort in your home convenient. But sometimes adjusting the settings for optimal energy efficiency and temperature can be tricky—especially when you and the occupants of your home don’t have the same preferences. Heating and cooling can account for more than half of a home’s energy use. Can you really afford the cost of all that extra heating and cooling that come from thermostat wars? Probably not. So here are some tips to follow that will keep you comfortable, but also help you save on your energy bill.
- Invest in a Smart or Programmable Thermostat
First, you want to make sure your thermostat is up to the task at hand. Most modern systems are equipped with a programmable thermostat. That way, you don’t have to constantly remember to turn your air conditioning on and off every time you leave or go to sleep. Or, to take it one step further, and get a smart thermostat. These allow your system to learn your patterns of living and automatically adjust the temperatures. They also give you the option of controlling your heating and cooling through your smart phone or computer. That way, you can make adjustments even if you are away from home. If you are interested in installing a new thermostat this year, contact an HVAC professional. - Get a Thermostat Calibration
If you suspect your thermostat isn’t working properly or reading the correct temperature, it might need a recalibration. You can test this by placing a glass tube thermometer in proximity to your thermostat to test the readings. If it is off by more than a degree, have it cleaned and calibrated. A professional can easily provide this service, or replace your thermostat if it isn’t working properly. - Set a Temperature for While you are Home
While it isn’t the coolest temperature, you can get optimal energy savings when you set your thermostat for 78 degrees while you are home. Then use other methods of ventilation in areas when you spend the most time. Try ceiling fans or window mounted fans for living rooms and bedrooms. You can also use shades and blinds to combat unwanted heat from the sun entering through your windows. That said, most people prefer cooler temperatures and you can still get energy savings if you are within 70 to 78 degrees. - Set a Temperature for While you are Away
There is no reason to cool your home if you are away, but you also shouldn’t turn off your air conditioning completely. Instead, adjust it up past 80 degrees, even up to the high eighties. Most HVAC professionals estimate you can save 7 percent of your energy costs for every degree you go above 78. And if you don’t want to come home to a sweltering house, program the thermostat to turn the A/C back on half an hour before you get home. - Set a Temperature for While you Sleep
Most people sleep more comfortably in cooler temperatures, typically between 60 and 66 degrees. In cooler climates, you can simply open your windows at night, but in warmer areas, you still rely on the A/C. Unfortunately, many people don’t like setting the thermostat that low, even though they would sleep better. What they don’t realize is their air conditioning will work less at night because of lower temperatures outside. So don’t hesitate to lower your thermostat for comfortable sleep.
Call Pelle Heating & Air Conditioning if you have questions about energy savings or need help programming your air conditioner in San Jose, CA. We can send a certified technician come out to service your HVAC system and get everything set up and ready for summer. Interested in scheduling an appointment? Call (669) 219-8957 today before the busy season strikes, or visit 1045 N 10th St San Jose, CA 95112.
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