Save Money by Changing Your Thermostat Settings in Summer and Winter
Contrary to popular belief, your thermostat is not a set-it-and-forget-it tool. This strategy will likely boost your energy usage and increase your monthly costs. It’s best to adjust your HVAC temperature settings regularly to match your needs, preferences and environmental conditions. This practice will help you maintain a home that is comfortable and cost-efficient.
The U.S. Department of Energy recommends modifying your thermostat settings in summer and winter by roughly 7 to 10 degrees of its normal rating. Doing this for eight hours a day can help you save up to 10% of your utility bills. The closer you can get your internal temperature to the outdoor temperature, the more you can expect to save every year.
Ranck Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning offers HVAC services in Lancaster, PA to ensure your thermostat works at its best to save you the money you deserve.
Summertime Thermostat Settings
When it gets hot outside, you may think it’s time to drop your thermostat way down. However, consider doing the opposite if you want to start saving money. You should set your thermostat to around 78 degrees Fahrenheit for the most efficient internal temperature at home. If you can tolerate hotter temps, increase it as you like.
If you plan on leaving for more than four hours, consider increasing the temperature even more — ideally by 10 degrees. Higher temperatures will delay heat transfer into your home, giving your AC system a break and saving you money. If you want, you can install a ceiling fan, enabling you to turn your thermostat up another 4 or 5 degrees to save even more without impacting your comfort.
Winter Thermostat Settings
As the days get shorter and temperatures get colder, it’s best to turn on your heating system to keep your home comfortable and warm. The ideal temperature to set your home to during the winter is around 68 degrees Fahrenheit. When you leave for work or take an extended vacation, turn it down closer to 55 degrees Fahrenheit. With more than 10 degrees of difference, you could see 1% savings for every degree. If you have a programmable thermostat, you can configure it to return to 68 degrees before you walk through the door.
Bedtime Thermostat Temperatures
Most people’s ideal temperature for sleep is between 60 and 67 degrees Fahrenheit. During the winter, you can drop your thermostat even lower as you can easily throw on another layer and get cozy beneath some blankets.
During the summer, sleeping at higher temperatures can often be difficult. If you or your family need a cooler environment to sleep through the night, you can decrease the heat and change the setting again in the morning.
Where Should You Put Your Thermostat?
Your thermostat’s location will play a significant role in how your home’s HVAC system performs. In the wrong area, your thermostat can show temperatures inconsistent with the rest of your home. These ghost readings can cause your air conditioning and heating systems to cycle unnecessarily.
Find an interior wall free from sunlight, drafts, windows or doorways to avoid an inefficient performance from your HVAC system. You should also avoid placing home furnishings in the way of your thermostat, as any disruption in airflow will cause inaccurate HVAC temperature readings.
Get in Touch With Ranck Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning
If you want to enhance your home’s air conditioning and heating systems, you can count on Ranck Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning to get the job done right. We offer comprehensive HVAC services throughout southeastern Pennsylvania and are capable of addressing all your thermostat needs. If are looking for HVAC services, schedule an appointment with Ranck or call us at 717-397-2577 today!
