The thermostat in your Moore, OK, home is designed to help you control your heating and cooling equipment. Some advanced thermostats also monitor things like humidity and indoor air quality. By optimizing your thermostat settings, you can enhance comfort while also reducing your monthly energy bills.
Temperature Settings
Your thermostat has two different main functions. This includes one for heating and one for cooling if you have an air conditioning unit installed at your residence. When heating, the Department of Energy suggests setting your thermostat to 68 degrees Fahrenheit to keep your home comfortable while reducing energy bills. Alternatively, they suggest that you set your thermostat to approximately 78 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal efficiency when using your air conditioner in the summer.
It’s a good idea to only make slight adjustments to your thermostat. If you are constantly moving your indoor temperature up or down by ten degrees or more, it can increase your heating or cooling costs. This is because your HVAC system has to work much harder to reach the new temperature, consuming more energy in the process. Large fluctuations also force the system to run for longer periods, placing unnecessary strain on its components and potentially shortening the lifespan of your equipment. Instead, aim for gradual adjustments to maintain both comfort and energy efficiency.
When You Are Away
If you aren’t going to be home for an extended period, then you can make thermostat adjustments that will save you money. If your family is away at work or school for the whole day, consider adjusting your thermostat to a more economical setting. This will prevent your heating and cooling system from running more than is necessary. The Department of Energy suggests that changing your thermostat by 7 to 10 degrees for eight hours a day will save you as much as 10% annually on heating and cooling costs.
If you have a programmable thermostat, you can set it to automatically adjust your home’s temperature according to your family’s routine, ensuring comfort when you’re home and energy savings when you’re away. Many smart thermostats have the added advantage of learning your household’s schedule. This function eliminates the arduous task of manually programming your device. Smart thermostats also gradually adjust the temperature to a more comfortable setting in anticipation of family members returning home. This helps reduce energy consumption by avoiding sudden changes that force your HVAC system to work harder.
Nighttime Temperatures
Adjusting your thermostat at night when everyone is asleep can also help you save money on heating and cooling costs. Most people feel they sleep better when their home is cool in the winter. Drop your thermostat by a few degrees at night to save money and boost your comfort.
During the spring and fall, evenings are often cool enough to turn your air conditioner off. You can open windows to freshen the air in your home and reduce cooling expenses.
Ceiling Fans for Enhanced Efficiency
In addition to changing your thermostat settings, using ceiling fans can significantly improve your home’s energy efficiency. During the winter, set your ceiling fans to rotate clockwise at a low speed. This adjustment helps redistribute warm air that naturally rises to the ceiling, bringing it back down to keep your living space cozy.
In the summer, reverse the fan direction to counterclockwise. This adjustment creates a cooling breeze that circulates the air, making rooms feel cooler without overworking your air conditioner. The air movement from the fan enhances the wind chill effect, making the room feel several degrees cooler than the actual temperature, allowing you to stay comfortable at a higher thermostat setting.
Thermostat Placement
The placement of your thermostat is crucial for accurate temperature control. Thermostats should always be located away from exterior walls to prevent inaccurate readings caused by drafts or outdoor temperatures. They should also never be positioned in areas that receive direct sunlight during the day. Additionally, it’s a good idea to keep your thermostat away from the kitchen. The heat generated from cooking can raise the temperature in that part of your home, leading the thermostat to believe your entire house is warmer than it actually is, causing your HVAC system to work less efficiently.
Turn Your Smart Thermosate’s Geo-fencing Function On
When you invest in a smart thermostat, your specific model may offer a geo-fencing feature that adjusts your home’s temperature based on your location. By using your smartphone’s GPS, the thermostat can detect when you’re leaving or returning home and automatically change the temperature to an energy-efficient setting while you’re away. This feature is an excellent alternative to manually programming your thermostat, especially for families with unpredictable or varying schedules. Instead of relying on preset times, geo-fencing ensures that your home is only heated or cooled when someone is present, providing flexibility and energy savings.
Ajusting Habits
If you are trying to reduce heating and cooling costs, it may require slight changes to your family’s habits. For instance, the Department of Energy’s suggested temperature setting of 68 degrees for winter may feel too chilly for some family members. However, household members could wear sweatshirts and sweatpants rather than t-shirts and shorts when relaxing at home in winter to be comfortable while reducing heating costs.
To stay cool in summer, consider using fans, wearing lightweight clothing, and closing curtains or blinds during the hottest part of the day to block out sunlight. In addition, limiting the use of heat-producing appliances like ovens and laundry machines during the day can help maintain a cooler indoor environment without having to crank your thermostat down.
Thermostat Calibration
Regular maintenance of your heating and cooling system includes checking your thermostat for proper calibration. If you’ve noticed discrepancies in temperature readings or your home feels uncomfortable, it may be time to have a professional calibrate your thermostat. They will also check your thermostat’s wiring to ensure it is signaling your heating and cooling system to turn on and off when it should. Additionally, a professional can recommend adjustments or upgrades that enhance your home’s energy efficiency.
Investing in a newer thermostat can be beneficial, especially if you are still using an outdated model that is over 10 years old. Energy Star-rated thermostats are designed to help you save on energy costs, and they come with features that improve overall comfort and efficiency. Upgrading to a smart thermostat with a favorable Energy Star rating can lead to significant long-term savings. Additionally, many utility companies offer incentives and rebates for upgrading to energy-efficient devices, allowing you to save money.
Contact Your Local Professionals
At Home Comfort Solutions, we have been serving the residents of Moore, OK and the surrounding areas since 2014. We install, maintain, and repair heating and cooling systems. In addition, we can help with all your indoor air quality needs, including installing air purification and whole-home humidity control systems. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our knowledgeable and skilled team members.
