Did you know that an American home’s annual electricity use is roughly 11,000-kilowatt hours? Residential energy costs are still among the largest monthly expenses for homeowners.
One way you can make these costs more manageable is to adjust your thermostat. However, many homeowners tend to forget to change their settings in the winter and summer, leaving their homes at uncomfortable temperatures.
This article will cover everything you need to create energy-efficient thermostat settings. By following this guide, you can start saving energy fast and spend less money on heating and cooling. Keep reading to start learning.
Summer Settings
Summer thermostat settings can play a critical role in obtaining energy-efficient results for homeowners. The recommended thermostat settings during summer are 78°F or lower. Setting the thermostat higher typically forces the air conditioner to run harder.
To unlock extra savings, homeowners can increase their thermostat settings up to 7°F when they are away. Avoid temperatures that are too high, as it may become uncomfortable when they return. Following these settings can help homeowners save energy and maintain a comfortable home.
Winter Settings
In the winter, homeowners want to make sure their thermostat is set around 68-70 degrees Fahrenheit. This should keep the house warm enough to stay comfortable. Another way is to make sure that heaters aren’t running when the house is unoccupied.
Lastly, make sure to cover windows with curtains or shades to trap in warm air and stop cold air from coming in. If all these tips are followed, homeowners should see a decrease in their energy bills while staying comfortable in the winter months.
Spring and Fall Settings
During the warmer months of spring and fall, homeowners should set the thermostat to 78 degrees Fahrenheit when the home is occupied. Raise the temperature to 82 degrees Fahrenheit when no one is home.
During periods of extreme heat or humidity, it may be necessary to raise the temperature to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. In the evening, homeowners should lower the setting to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Making an effort to adjust the ideal thermostat settings to seasonal changes will result in significant savings in energy costs.
Use Ceiling Fans
When it comes to being energy efficient, homeowners can use ceiling fans to save even more. Ceiling fans can circulate air and make a living area feel cooler.
When it is warm, you can set the thermostat higher and use ceiling fans to supplement the cooling effect. When it is cold, use the ceiling fans to redirect warm air from the ceiling down to your living area.
Remember to turn off the fans when you leave the room, as the fan itself uses energy. Reverse the direction of the fan blades in summer to draw the hot air up and out.
Also, make sure that your HVAC system is running efficiently. Check out www.sanfranciscoheatingandairconditioning.com to help you maximize your HVAC system.
The Best Energy-Efficient Thermostat Settings
The right energy-efficient thermostat settings can save homeowners a lot of money and energy. Properly configuring a thermostat will keep your home comfortable while maximizing energy savings.
Try following the tips in this guide, and you can experience the benefits of an energy-efficient thermostat. Consider scheduling a thermostat installation appointment with a trusted HVAC technician.
Need more tips on making your home more efficient? Keep scrolling through our blog for the latest.
