When figuring out what temperature is optimal for your home, there are many factors to consider before you set your thermostat. We understand the desire to find a balance between keeping your energy bills low and maintaining a certain level of comfort for your family. In this blog, we will discuss ways to achieve your heating and cooling goals.
Factors to consider:
- Comfort
- Energy usage
- Thermostat settings (creating a schedule around your work/life schedule can make a world of difference)
- Your HVAC system’s exertion (overworking your system can lead to more repairs and ultimately premature replacement.)
Comfort:
The most comfortable and energy-efficient temperature for most is around 70° F. Ultimately, optimal thermostat settings are unique and tend to be affected by seasons, personal preferences and humidity levels. If you have a ductless mini-split, you have the benefit of adjusting each room to a different temperature so that everyone can choose the perfect temperature for them. Considering a ductless system? Reading our blog about the benefits of a ductless mini-split system might be beneficial.
Energy usage:
One way to lower your energy bill is to install your thermostat in an area that is not near vents, doors, or windows (if possible). Making this small change in location can avoid activating your thermostat unnecessarily. However, energy usage is also highly dependent on the season with varying levels of humidity. Here are some tips for both winter and summer:
Winter
- Open your blinds during the day. Radiant heat from the sun is an effective way to naturally increase your home’s temperature and supplement your heating system.
- Lower your thermostat when you are asleep. Our body temperatures generally rise at night and can tolerate cooler temperatures when sleeping.
- Bundle up. Utilizing blankets and layering your clothing can help you stay comfortable while keeping your heat down, saving money on your heating bill.
To learn more about how to make your HVAC perform at peak efficiency in Winter, click here.
Summer
- Try setting your air conditioning system at 78° F and adjusting it up or down slowly over time. The warmer you are willing to set your air conditioner, the more you can save in the summer months.
- Use a fan to improve airflow. Increased airflow will take some of the heavy lifting off your HVAC system, which costs more to run.
- Do not set your air conditioner to more than 20 degrees below the outside temperature. Your AC cannot run efficiently when you over-cool your home.
For more tips on reducing the strain on your air conditioner in the summer months, click here.
Thermostat settings:
You may not be aware of just how much adjusting your thermostat settings can impact your comfort and energy bill. According to the Department of Energy, you can save up to 10% a year on your heating and cooling when you set back the thermostat 7-10 degrees from your typical setting for 8 hours a day. If you have a programmable thermostat, you can set this up quickly so that your system will adjust itself when you are not home. In addition, smart thermostats have a unique feature that “learns” household patterns and automatically adjusts to help maintain both comfort and energy savings. When you book a consultation, we can also share more information on the latest technology, such as Wifi thermostats. These thermostats allow you to adjust your home’s temperature from any device. Forgot to adjust your settings before heading out for a vacation? You can use your smartphone to make changes on the road! Click here to learn more about smart thermostats.
HVAC system’s exertion:
Overrunning your system can quickly lead to system breakdowns requiring repairs and often leading to the need to replacement your entire system prematurely. Setting your system to auto, not constantly fidgeting with the thermostat all day and adjusting the thermostat in small increments can all aid in the goal for comfort without overworking your HVAC unit.
If the suggests in this blog have not successfully created a comfortable climate in your home, it may be time to give one of our experts a call. We will troubleshoot any underlying issues that are impacting your comfort and can suggest solutions to ensure comfort year-round.
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If your question still needs answering or you’d like to schedule a consultation, contact the friendly team at Genove Oil & Air, and we’ll find a solution for your home or business.
Whether you need home heating oil or Bioheat delivery, or installation and service of oil & natural gas systems for HVAC, heating, and cooling—call us at 781-893-9191 or email us.
