Have you ever noticed that it isn’t uncommon to want thermostats set below 70 degrees in the summer, yet that temperature doesn’t feel as comfortable during the winter? Our mindset wants us to be as warm and toasty in the winter as possible and as cool as possible in the summer. However, is that truly the way to decide the ideal settings for thermostats?
While there isn’t a wrong answer when it comes to comfort, there are some other factors involved that can make you consider altering the settings by two or more degrees each season. The efficiency of your HVAC system dictates just how much you could save by setting thermostats at 76 to 78 during the summer, and drop them down to 68 to 72 in the winter. If you could shave off 8 to 10 percent of your power bill, it may be worth it to you to give it a try.
In addition, programmable thermostats can give you the flexibility to set the temperature differently when you’ll be out of the home or when snuggled comfortably in bed. As for the latter, studies show that a cooler room is actually conducive to improved quality of sleep, so you can save money and be healthier.
Another tip is to slowly change thermostats by just one degree at a time so that over a few weeks you can acclimate to the difference and not notice it as much. If you remember that it wasn’t that long ago that very few homes had air conditioning and people survived, it isn’t difficult to realize that we can be comfortable and save money in the process. One caveat to this recommendation is to be sure you let it run enough to control humidity. Anything over 50% humidity could lead to mold and other moisture concerns.
In addition, the less your HVAC system has to work, the longer it will last. If you can go an extra month, or at least a couple of weeks, in the spring and fall without turning it on, and set thermostats a couple of degrees different than usual, you could enjoy several more years of performance.
If you would like to know more about programmable thermostats or other modern options on the market today, give us a call at AC Today. We recommend maintenance in the spring and fall so that your HVAC system can operate more energy efficiently and save you money in that regard, as well. Call today to learn more.