You might be surprised to learn that one of the most integral aspects of your entire HVAC system is your thermostat. Unfortunately, many people make simple mistakes when setting and adjusting their thermostats, and it is actually costing them a lot of money on their monthly energy bills. Here are a few simple dos and don'ts to keep in mind the next time you adjust the setting on your residential thermostat.
Do Invest in a Programmable Thermostat
One of the easiest and most efficient ways to save money on your monthly energy bills is to install a programmable thermostat. There are several different types of programmable thermostats, including a smart thermostat that allows you to control the temperature in your home or apartment with your smartphone.
If this is your first experience with a programmable thermostat, choose a model that is easy to operate and allows you at the very least to set your thermostat at different temperatures in the day and night. As you become more comfortable with your thermostat, you can choose a model that is more advanced.
Don't Forget to Supplement Your AC in the Summer to Cut Down on Your Energy Bills
Depending on where you live, the cost of your energy bills can skyrocket during the summer months. If this is the case, the best way to save on your bills is to slightly increase the temperature setting and supplement the air conditioner with fans. A ceiling fan is a great option, but make sure that the blades are turning counterclockwise.
If you have two floors, point a box fan towards the second floor to help draw cool air upstairs.
Do Set Your Thermostat to Different Temperatures at Night and During the Day
You have an amazing new programmable thermostat, but you aren't sure where to begin. The easiest way to reduce energy bills while keeping your home comfortable is to adjust the temperature at night. For example, if it is summer, turn down the temperature slightly to allow you to enjoy the cooler air while you are home to enjoy it.
You can turn up the temperature during the day when you are not at home. Whatever you choose, make sure you never set the thermostat to an extreme temperature. This will not only drastically increase your energy bills, but this habit will also increase the wear and tear on your HVAC system.
From purchasing a programmable thermostat to supplementing the air temperature with a ceiling fan, there are several thermostat dos and don'ts to keep in mind.