Most homeowners know that finding a temperature at which to set the thermostat can be a bit of a headache. Not only does choosing a temperature mean finding a setting that everyone on the home agrees on, but it means finding one that’s reasonable cost-wise, too. While there’s no “best temperature,” there are a few best practices that you can employ when setting your A/C thermostat.
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Choose a Temperature
As stated above, there’s no best temperature; rather, the best temperature for your home should be the temperature at which everyone feels most comfortable. Some people like to keep their home cool year round – and even keep the heat low in the winter – while the thought of doing so might leave others shivering.
While choosing a temperature can be difficult, there are two things you should keep in mind when deciding: your comfort level, and how much it will cost. Obviously, keeping the house exceptionally warm in the winter – 72 degrees Fahrenheit or so – will cost more than keeping the house at 64 degree Fahrenheit. However, if the latter sounds too unbearable, you might be willing to overlook the expense. The lowest setting that you’re comfortable with is recommended to help save energy.
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Use a Programmable Thermostat
Once those in your household have come to an agreed upon temperature that everyone can live with, it’s time to set the thermostat. A programmable thermostat is by far the best option for controlling the temperature in your home, so if you don’t already have one, it’s time to invest. By using a programmable thermostat, you can program your unit to be off during the working hours or other times when everyone is usually out of the house. By using a programmable thermostat, you can save money and energy by automatically reducing your heating and cooling needs at the time of the day when people aren’t home.
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Reduce Your Use – Save Energy and Money
Now that you have a programmable thermostat and know how to use it, it’s time to actually program it to the times when you’re out of the house or don’t require a lot of heating or cooling. If you’re out of the house Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, for example, the thermostat should absolutely be turned off (or down low) during those hours. Program the thermostat to kick on one hour before you plan to be home if the temperature is particularly intolerable. The thermostat should also be programmed to turn off or down around bedtime, and shouldn’t start back up again until an hour before you plan to wake up.
In addition, you can save money by making sure that you place your thermostat in a room that’s not particularly cold or hot in comparison to the rest of the house, as doing so can interfere with an accurate temperature reading. And, make sure to always close all doors and windows (and make sure they’re properly sealed), and use shades to block out the sun and heat in the summer.
By following the three practices above, you’ll ensure maximum comfort and efficiency with your A/C.
If you need to install a programmable thermostat, or need routine maintenance or repair on your A/C unit, contact a central heat & air contractor in your area today.
Sources
https://allaboutac.gagneac.com/best-home-temperature.html
https://energy.gov/energysaver/articles/thermostats
