As we’ve laid out in the past, effective setting and use of a proper thermostat can be a simple but extremely effective way for you to save energy this winter. While these may seem like simple efforts to save energy and money, many overlook the benefits of a functional thermostat and leave their heat on for far too long at a time.
Despite their simplicity, there for some reason are many common misconceptions when it comes to using a thermostat to the best of its ability. Here are a few recommendations for getting the most out of your thermostat:
- Avoid constantly changing the temperature on your thermostat. We’ve all experienced feeling either too hot or too cold—back and forth—over and over. This may cause us to constantly be changing the temperature on our thermostat to stay comfortable. However, not giving into this temptation can help save energy, believe it or not. Constant changes in temperature can waste fuel and cause your overall energy usage to go way up.
- When returning home, don’t set your thermostat higher than the desired temperature. Many think that if you set the thermostat at a very high level when returning home to a cold home, the temperature will rise more quickly to get to the desired warm house. This is a myth. The house will almost surely not heat up any faster than if the temperature was just set to the desired temperature from the beginning. What’s more—some people who do this often forget that they set the temperature higher and will forget to lower it, which causes them to use much more energy than was actually needed (or desired).
- Protect your thermostat from anything that would give it a false reading. Thermostat placement in the home is key to accurate readings and maximum comfort. Don’t place a thermostat near a fireplace, heat register or drafty windows/doors. It’s also a good idea to avoid placing a thermostat on the inside of an external wall, as that can give false readings as well. If this occurs, you’ll have a very tough time adjusting appropriately to ensure the rest of your house remains at the desired, comfortable temperature.
- Set your thermostat lower while sleeping. Lowering the thermostat while sleeping, or programming it to automatically do so (see next tip!), can save you big. Lowering the temperature even just a few degrees can cause much less energy usage over night during the hours in which you are asleep. You may even find that you sleep a little bit better in a cooler house. An extra blanket in the winter can make a big difference as well—your energy bill will thank you!
- Make use of your programming features. Most thermostats have easily programmable features. Be smart about your settings and follow a strict schedule. When you leave for the day, be sure you set your thermostat to an appropriate temperature to use less energy. If you have an older thermostat without these features, you can have a programmer installed. Some newer smart models can actually learn your habits and set themselves, which can lead to maximum energy savings.
- Be aware. With all of these tips, awareness is the key. Get in the habit of being smart about your thermostat. Learn exactly how it works and functions. Read the manual. Test your limits in terms of energy savings and thermostat adjustments. Chances are you’ll be able to bend much further than you originally thought. Even small adjustments, over time, can save you big time.
At BelRed, we sell and install high quality, functional thermostat systems to help you take advantage of your heating system and make it the most efficient and high performing system it can be. To chat with us about installing or upgrading one of your own, give us a call today.
