In our last home energy blog post, we started discussing ways to use your thermostat to maximize your energy savings when you are heating or cooling your home. A thermostat can be such a valuable resource when it comes to home energy and performance and we highly recommend getting the most out of its features.
Below, you can find a few more tips for your thermostat use. Once you get done reading, go try a few (or all) of these tips out!
- If you are going away, turn the system down/off. If you’re going on a trip in the summer, it’s a good idea to turn your thermostat all the way down or off, as there’s no need to cool down a home when nobody is there. If you’re going on a trip in the winter, lower the thermostat setting as much as is safe to avoid freezing pipes. Depending on your location and climate, you can probably get away with a lot lower setting than you think (if not turning it completely off).
- 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.
- Having a party? Lower the temperature. Having a large group of people in your home can be a heat source all on its own. Make sure you adjust accordingly. Whether it’s just before your guests arrive or while they are there, adjusting the thermostat setting down will not only keep your guests more comfortable, it will help save you energy. It doesn’t take many people in a contained area to generate a great deal of heat. Take advantage of that free source!
- 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.
If you want to chat about the different types of thermostats that are available today, we’re always happy to chat. Feel free to contact our team at BelRed today.
