The thermostat on the wall of your home has a basic job: turning the air conditioner and blower fan on and off. But like most devices that appear “simple,” a thermostat requires strategies a bit more complex than just “on” and “off.”
For example, if you just turn the AC on when you feel hot and off when it gets too cold, you’re probably wasting energy needlessly, not getting the most ideal comfort situations, and placing too much stress on the AC. This can end up in bills that are too high, extreme temperature swings, and even damage to the AC that can require air conditioning repair in Maysville, KY or even an early replacement.
Let’s talk thermostat strategy for getting ahead of these problems. Don’t worry, it’s not too complicated! Follow us from a strategy session below.
Steady as she goes!
Keeping your thermostat at steady settings throughout the day is one of the best strategies for maintaining comfort and efficiency. When you constantly adjust the thermostat, your AC has to work harder to keep up with changing demands. This consumes more energy and wears down the system faster.
By setting your thermostat to a consistent temperature, you reduce the workload on your AC unit. This steadier demand helps maintain a more balanced indoor environment, preventing the wide temperature swings that can make your home feel less comfortable. It also ensures that your AC operates more efficiently, which can lower your energy bills and extend the AC’s lifespan.
The target temperatures
One of the simplest yet most effective strategies is setting your thermostat to specific target temperatures. During the day when people are home, aim for 78°F. This temperature is typically comfortable for most people while being energy-efficient. When you’re not home or during the night, raise the temperature slightly. For example, setting it to around 85°F when you’re away can save significant amounts of energy.
Programmable thermostats are your friends
If you don’t already have a programmable thermostat, upgrading to one can be a game-changer for your energy use. Programmable thermostats allow you to set a schedule for your AC, automatically adjusting the temperature based on your daily routines. For instance, you can set the thermostat to increase the temperature when you leave for work and lower it before you return home. This ensures your home is comfortable when you need it to be without wasting energy when you’re not there.
Smart thermostats strategize for you
For even more advanced control, consider investing in a smart thermostat. These devices take programmable thermostats to the next level by learning your habits and preferences. They use algorithms and sensors to make real-time adjustments to optimize comfort and efficiency.
Smart thermostats can be controlled remotely via your smartphone, allowing you to make changes on the go. They can also provide detailed energy usage reports, helping you understand how you use energy and where you can make improvements.
If you’re interested in making an upgrade as a part of your thermostat strategy, contact our team today.