There is a widespread misconception about how to save on your power bills during the summer months. Common wisdom suggests that keeping your thermostat set at a constant temperature will save money and conserve energy. The rationale is that if you turn your system on and off or adjust the thermostat up and down, it will use more energy to bring your home’s temperature back down to the desired level. But for most HVAC systems, this just isn’t true.
Is It Better to Set Your Thermostat at a Constant Temperature?
Keeping your thermostat at a constant temperature year-round can actually be hard on both your wallet and your HVAC system. If your temperature setting makes your heater or air conditioner run constantly, you run the risk of damaging the equipment, incurring repair costs, and significantly decreasing its lifespan.
We recommend setting your thermostat based on the seasons: lower temperatures in the winter and higher ones during the summer months.
Does It Cost More to Keep Turning Heating/Cooling On and Off?
Many people believe it’s not cost-effective to turn your HVAC on and off, but that’s not true in most cases. Turning your system off while you’re away saves energy and money. Additionally, it minimizes wear and tear on the equipment.
Sometimes turning off your system altogether may not be an option (for example, if there are pets in the home, or if there’s a danger of property damage due to excessive cold or heat). You can always balance savings with safety by adjusting the temperature upward or downward during the time when you will be gone.
Should You Adjust Your Thermostat Throughout the Day?
We also suggest adjusting the temperature every day so your system doesn’t work too hard during peak hours. If it runs nonstop to hold your chosen temperature, you should adjust your thermostat to prevent this from happening. Also consider making these adjustments when you’re at work, away from the house, or when you’re asleep.
A programmable thermostat can save you time and money, and reduce your energy consumption by up to 30 percent. Some smart thermostats even track your energy consumption, temperature preferences, and will make temperature adjustments automatically. WiFi-enabled thermostats can be controlled via an app on your tablet or phone, even when you’re not at home. You can remotely adjust your thermostat so your home reaches a comfortable temperature by the time you return.
In addition to controlling the temperature of your home, there are other ways to reduce your energy consumption and costs. Be sure to replace your HVAC filters regularly and to have your system inspected annually.
Express C.O.D Can Help You Save Energy and Money
If you’d like to replace your thermostat or if you need any type of HVAC assessment, installation, maintenance, or repair, let us help. Express C.O.D is the most trusted name in HVAC services for Nassau and Suffolk Counties, with over six decades of experience. Express C.O.D also offers competitive heating oil prices with our oil-on-demand delivery services and round-the-clock order placement. Contact us to learn more or to schedule an appointment.