Everybody should know the basics of how best to manage your air conditioning system. You will have to maintain the system all year. The fluid levels need to be kept in an ideal level, and it is necessary to routinely clean all filters and remove any blockages. But system maintenance is effective only when the system is being used efficiently. In order to keep the cooling and heating system in great shape, you will need to know how to properly set the thermostat. Here are seven tips about setting your thermostat to keep your home efficient and comfortable.
- Determine Daytime and Nighttime Settings
Very simple changes to your thermostat can have a dramatic effect on your electric bill. Set it to the lowest temperature that is comfortable at night. If you keep your thermostat down to 69 at night, you would able to save your electric bill 5% to 15% during the winter season. So set the thermostat at different temperature during daytime and nighttime.
- Use a Programmable Thermostat
In each household, there are so many things to keep up with. While managing all the other tasks, you may forget to set the appropriate temperature on your thermostat. If this is a usual occurance, you need to invest in a programmable thermostat. With this simple device, you can preset the temperature on your thermostat. If you set it in advance, the device will automatically adjust the temperature according to the time of day and your preferences.
If you are using a programmable device, change the batteries once a year and ensure it keeps working properly over time.
- Keep the Thermostat Up in Warm Weather
When you set the thermostat low during the summer, you cause your air conditioner to work really hard. This uses excess electricity to keep your house cool. To reduce the usage of that much electricity, set the highest temperature you can and keep on the fans on for circulating cool air. Most homes keep their thermostat up higher to keep the house comfortably cool without overusing the A/C system.
- Keep Thermostat Low in Cool Weather
Similarly to warm weather, during cool weather you will have to lower the temperature of thermostat for efficient use of electricity. If you don't do this, your pipes may freeze. To prevent this situation, you need to keep the temperature as low as possibly comfortable. Most households prefer lower temperature for the thermostat temperature at cool weather.
- Keep the Windows Closed
When cool air breeze is blowing outside, let it flow inside to reduce your electric bill rather than using the air conditioner. If the breeze is too hot during warm weather, then use the air conditioner. When using it, keep the doors and windows closed so it can cool the house properly. If you leave the windows open when cooling your home, the chilled air goes right out of the window.
- Set the Thermostat Lower When Leaving
Like lowering temperature of thermostat in colder weather, you need to keep temperature low when you are leaving home. This causes less energy consumption. Use the temperature level low for keeping the thermostat efficient. Avoid turning off the full system for several days if you are out of home, especially in hot season. Instead of fully turning it off, just adjust the thermostat lower to stop bacterial growth in the system.
- Set the Thermostat Lower When Entertaining
Even when the weather is warm or cool, when there is a gathering of people, there is production of natural heat. When your home is full of people, there needs to be more cooling. Keep thermostat lower during any party or get-together.
Even if you do these seven things, when technicians come out for maintenance, talk with them for more options and cross-check the settings you are using on your thermostat.
