During Sacramento’s sweltering Summers, a top priority is keeping cool and comfortable in our homes. Of course, no one wants their HVAC system to work harder than it has to in order to accomplish this. In this article, we will give you 3 suggestions to utilize your thermostat to find the perfect balance of comfort and energy savings.
Choose the Right Thermostat
You will most likely find several types of thermostats when you go out comparison shopping. It is common to find 5 day +2 day and 7 day models. We advise the 7 day model, since it will give you the most flexibility in scheduling. You can actually program a different temperature for each day of the week if you wanted to.
Program the Thermostat for Home and Away
After you have chosen and installed your thermostat, you can program your weekly schedule. An ideal temperature of 68 degrees can be set for times you are at home and awake to take advantage of the cool air. To maximize your savings, turn the temperature up a few degrees while you are sleeping, or out of the home (school, work, etc). Just by changing the temperature a few degrees while you are out or overnight can save you up to $180 on your utility bill over the course of a year.
Override for Additional Savings
When you encounter changes to your schedule, you can simply press the “hold” button on your thermostat to override its programmed settings. You can also use the “vacation” mode when you are headed out of town. This will save on energy costs while you’re away, and then you can arrive home to find your house at the perfect temperature.
There are families who have more unpredictable schedules and lifestyles, so a simple programmable thermostat may not be enough to capitalize on energy savings. You may want to consider a smart thermostat, or a learning thermostat. These styles enable you to make adjustments on the fly, and from anywhere with your mobile device. Some models even “learn” your family’s habits and adjust themselves accordingly.
Whether you’re in the market for a smart thermostat, a new air conditioner, or advanced air quality components, we have what you’re looking for. Call (916) 609-2665 to consult with the HVAC experts at Clarke & Rush.
