How can I utilize my thermostat to create a more efficient HVAC unit?

Thermostat Efficiency is easy:

If you are like the majority of people, you are always looking for ways to be more energy efficient and to save money on our monthly bills.  A great way to accomplish both tasks at once is to effectively manage your home’s thermostat.  Your thermostat controls the temperature in your home and dictates how often your HVAC is running.  By following the tips below, you will create a comfortable home environment and save on energy bills by properly managing your thermostat

Location, location, location

Where your thermostat is located is very important.  The air temp in your home is measured by the thermostat.  This reading tells the furnace to turn on or off depending on temperature settings.  When your thermostat is properly placed the air temp will be effectively measured, if not, you may get false readings.

Do Not place your thermostat:

• near windows and doors- the air temperature inside can drastically change and cause a false reading when the windows or doors are opened
• near air vents-this can cause a false reading by reading blowing air
• hallways- your thermostat should be where you can get a ”real feel” temperature and where spend more time
• in direct sunlight- your ac running more often due to warmer air temp
• in your kitchen-typically the warmest room

Your thermostat should be placed in a commonly used interior area, preferably near the center of your home and away from the locations above so that the unit will read a proper temperature.

Programmable

The best way to run your HVAC unit is to use a programmable thermostat.  This type of thermostat allows you to program temperature settings for day or night, depending on when you are home or away and for work week or weekends. There are many programming options on most programmable thermostats.  Depending on which model you choose, you will be able to set a day time temp and an evening temp.  Some models allow more than two settings per day for utmost efficiency.  You can program different temperatures for morning, daytime, evening and night time.  There is also a “hold” setting, which you can choose at anytime to override your program.

Manual Thermostat

When you have a manual thermostat, this means that you need to be diligent in changing the temperature settings on a regular basis.  You can sill create efficiency if you remember to adjust the settings.  Use your phone to set reminders or leave yourself notes so that you don’t forget.

Thermostat Settings

When you are away from home you should set the temperature several degrees higher when the ac is running and lower when the heat is on.  You don’t need to have the furnace running all day if you are not there.   In the evening when you are home, you can program or set it to a more comfortable air temp.  When you are sleeping, be sure to change it as well, we typically sleep better in a cooler temperature. It is misconception that your unit will have to work harder to get reach the temperature you want when you get home. It works no harder to change the temp a couple degrees than it does to change it several degrees.   Because your furnace will not be running for a longer period of time, you will save money.

When you follow these tips for thermostat efficiency you will create a comfortable temperature in your home while saving money on your electricity bill.  If you have any questions on the right thermostat for your home, call the experts at Air Expo NJ today.