Your thermostat controls the temperature of your home. While it may be tempting to turn it up on a cold winter day or turn it way down in the middle of the summer, that really isn’t good for your monthly budget or your overall mood. Smart thermostat usage is key to lowering your utility bills and boosting the mood in your home. Let’s talk a bit more about what that looks like.
Finding the Optimal Temperature
The most comfortable temperature range for most people is 68 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit. Keeping your thermostat in this range will also keep your utility bills down to a manageable level. A good rule is to keep your thermostat at 68 degrees in the winter and 78 degrees in the summer while you’re at home during the day.
You can lower the temperature by a few degrees in the winter at night or when you’re not home, and you can raise it a bit in the summer in the same situations. If 68 degrees seems cold in the winter, you can always bundle up with warmer clothing or blankets. If your home still feels too cold, you can boost it by a few degrees until you and your family feel comfortable. As for the summer, if 78 degrees feels too hot, you can make your home feel more comfortable by turning on ceiling fans, opening windows on cool days, and closing your curtains or blinds when it’s sunny outside. You can always lower the temperature by a few degrees if your house still feels too hot.
Get a Smart or Programmable Thermostat
A programmable thermostat will adjust the temperature in your home according to a schedule that you set, which means you rarely have to make manual adjustments until the seasons change. It sounds simple, but a programmable thermostat can save as much as 10 percent every year on your energy bills.
Smart thermostats are similar to programmable models in that they adjust the temperature of a home based on a set schedule. The big difference between the two options is that smart thermostats can learn your routine and habits and adjust your heating and cooling schedule accordingly. Many also have features such as zoned heating and remote control via smartphone apps.
Call an HVAC Professional for Assistance
These are just a few tips that will help you save money and give you a more comfortable home throughout the year. However, your HVAC system still requires regular maintenance even if it’s running smoothly. If your heating and cooling system hasn’t had a tune-up in the last year or if things aren’t running smoothly, don’t hesitate to call an HVAC contractor for assistance. When you need thermostat services in Washington, DC, contact F.H. Furr.
