Did you know that little device that controls your HVAC system can help you cut heating and cooling costs and improve your household’s energy efficiency? You simply have to know how to set up your thermostat to optimize it and maximize savings. Read on to find out how to do exactly that!
How to set up your Thermostat
1. Ideal Temperature Settings
The key to maximizing your savings is optimizing your thermostat settings for each season and scenario. During the winter, an ideal temperature range is between 68 F – 72 F (20-22 C). Find a balance that keeps you warm while ensuring cost-effective heating. You can increase savings by dropping the temperature even more at night or while you’re away. As long as you set the temperature back for at least 8 hours, every degree stands to save you up to 1% on your bill. *The exception is the heat pump. Heat pump manufacturers suggest that you don’t set the temperature back because heat pump systems warm up the house slower than gas fired heating equipment.
In the summer, use the same strategy but with turning the temperature up. Ideally, set it as high as you can comfortably tolerate. The lower the difference in temperature between the outside and inside, the higher the saving potential. A good temperature range to aim for is between 72-78 F (22-25 C).
2. Use a Thermostat with Circulation Function
For best air quality, certain air time changes must be maintained. If the fan is on “Auto,” there are not enough air changes and this can lead to health issues. This is why you should have a good thermostat that not only has a fan with the “On” option but also a “Circulation” function. The circulation function runs the fan intermittently to maintain the proper air time change to the rooms. It not only saves electricity but also helps maintain good indoor air quality.
3. Program Your Thermostat
You can implement these settings on any thermostat. However, a programmable thermostat is more convenient. A smart thermostat has even more features and provides more opportunities to save on energy use by sending consumption reports and tips. If you have a programmable or smart thermostat, you should program it according to your household routine.
There are a variety of ways you can program your thermostat, including:
- 7 day schedule – If you have an inconsistent schedule, this allows you to program the thermostat differently for each day of the week.
- 5-2 schedule – With this, you schedule the settings for the work week and have a different one for the weekend.
- 5-1-1 schedule – This one allows you to set a consistent schedule for the work week, with different settings for each day of the weekend.
- 1 week schedule – This is for families with very stable schedules. You set the thermostat to be consistent all week.
Remember to consider sleep times, work schedules, and other times you’re away from home. These are excellent opportunities to save even more!
Save More with Spring Home
If you’d like to make your energy saving efforts easier, visit us to get your programmable or smart thermostat. We can even install it for you. And if you want to take energy savings to the next level, consider upgrading your HVAC equipment. High-efficiency systems or heat pumps offer superior energy efficiency, helping you save even more!
Contact Spring Home to learn more about how you can cut energy consumption and costs in your home!
The Spring Home team has been servicing the HVAC needs of the GTA for over 20 years. Our award-winning team of licensed technicians is committed to providing our clients with service they can trust and equipment they can rely on.
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