Living in New England comes with its fair share of weather challenges, from freezing winters to humid summers.
Properly setting your thermostat not only keeps your home comfortable year-round but can also help reduce energy costs. Here’s how to optimize your thermostat settings and take advantage of programmable thermostat technology.
Thermostat Tips
- Set the temperature as low as your comfortable with (winter) and as high as your comfortable with (summer). Even a degree can make a difference in your overall heating and cooling costs.
- Don’t use setbacks of more than three degrees. Many people believe setting their thermostat back in large increments when they’re gone to work during the day or sleeping at night provides big energy savings. However, the reality is that this overworks your system and can lead to higher utility bills, discomfort, and premature failure of your equipment.
The only time you should use a set back greater than three degrees is if you plan to be gone for an extended period on vacation. A small setback still saves money, without overworking your system, creating a perfect balance between comfort, energy savings, and long term success for your equipment.
The Advantages of a Programmable Thermostat
Programmable thermostats simplify maintaining these ideal settings, allowing you to create a schedule that automatically adjusts based on your routine. Here are some benefits:
- Energy Savings: Have your system automatically adjust temperature settings at certain times of day to maximize efficiency.
- Consistent Comfort: Enjoy optimal temperatures when you’re home without manual adjustments.
- Smart Features: Many modern programmable thermostats are Wi-Fi-enabled, giving you the ability to control settings remotely via smartphone apps.
Additional Tips for Thermostat Use
- Place your thermostat on an interior wall away from drafts or direct sunlight to ensure accurate readings.
- Avoid extreme temperature changes. Constantly adjusting the thermostat forces your HVAC system to work harder.
- Use zoning systems or additional thermostats for better control in larger homes.
By using your thermostat effectively, especially with the help of a programmable model, you can achieve year-round comfort and savings, no matter what New England weather throws your way.
Need Help Upgrading Your Thermostat?
BDL Heating & Cooling can help you choose and install a programmable thermostat tailored to your home. Contact us today to learn more and start saving!
