When you’re looking for ways to trim your energy bills in your Sandy Springs, Georgia, home, one of the best places to start is with your HVAC system. The heating and cooling system in a residential property uses a large chunk of the total energy, so reducing waste can help lower your monthly bills. The first step is setting your programmable thermostat and leaving it alone.
Find the Right Setting
Programmable thermostats are standard in most HVAC systems for the past 10 years. If your system is more than 10 years old, you could still have a thermostat that requires manual adjustments, but swapping it out could save you money. A basic programmable thermostat isn’t too expensive, so it’s worth considering. With a programmable unit, the idea is to set specific temperatures for certain times of the day.
If you work full-time, you can allow the system to stay off during the day on weekdays while you’re away. Before you return home, the air conditioning or heating unit can kick on to make sure it’s comfortable when you arrive. Most thermostats have separate schedules for weekends. You can also use the hold setting if you’re off work or at home on a day you’d normally be away. Figuring out the right settings can make a big difference in the overall comfort of your house. Adjust the temperature to figure out where you like it, and then set it to that level when you’re typically home.
Energy Savings
One of the main benefits of setting your thermostat and then leaving it alone is reduced energy use. When you’re constantly making manual adjustments, the system has to cycle on and off more frequently, which requires extra energy. By setting the ideal temperature for your household, you allow the system to operate in a way that reduces energy use, thus lowering your monthly bills.
If you want to save even more energy, try increasing the temperature by one or two degrees during the summer or lowering it during the winter. According to the Department of Energy, you can save up to 10 percent on your monthly bills when you make minor adjustments to the temperature. Using fans during the warmer seasons can help circulate the air, while space heaters and fireplaces can warm your home when it’s chilly outside.
Improved Efficiency
Efficiency is also a great reason to leave your thermostat alone. An HVAC system is designed to remove heat from the air when it’s set to the cool function or heat up the air in the home when it’s on the furnace setting. A more efficient home utilizes its resources in an effective manner, reducing the wear and tear on the HVAC system and other appliances. With a regular schedule set on your programmable thermostat, you can take advantage of the benefits of improved energy efficiency while saving money every month.
Use Tech-Savvy Tools
Smart thermostats are one of the additions to the home automation industry, allowing you to control your HVAC system from your mobile device. A smart thermostat also comes with added benefits, such as built-in tools that can make automatic adjustments to your settings to reduce energy use without sacrificing home comfort. Some units are connected to the outdoor temperature and can make changes to the HVAC settings based on what the weather is like outside. If you’re interested in a thermostat for your HVAC system that can improve efficiency, reduce energy use, and keep you comfortable, consider upgrading to a smart unit.
Extend the System’s Lifespan
Another benefit of using your programmable thermostat is reduced wear and tear on the furnace and air conditioner, which can prolong the lifespan and reduce the need for expensive repairs. When you adjust the temperature, the system has to cycle on and off more often, which can put extra pressure on the components.
At E. Smith Heating & Air Conditioning, we offer HVAC maintenance, repairs, and installation, so call us at 678-369-8866, and we can help make sure your system is operating efficiently.
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