Why You Should Have a Set Thermostat Schedule
Your thermostat plays a much bigger role than you might think in keeping your home comfortable. It controls the temperature in your home, can improve energy efficiency, and can help your HVAC system last longer.
One of the simplest ways to take control of your energy use is by creating a thermostat schedule.
What is a Thermostat Schedule?
A thermostat schedule is a routine that sets specific temperatures for different times of the day or week. You can set your thermostat to change the temperature automatically. This way, you don’t have to adjust it every day. It will follow your daily routine.
Modern programmable and smart thermostats make establishing a schedule that meets your needs easy. Learning how to set a thermostat effectively means your system only runs when it needs to.
Why You Need a Set Thermostat Schedule
Energy Savings
You can program it not to heat or cool when you're away and set it to a higher temperature when you're not home. A thermostat schedule means your system only runs when needed, which makes it more efficient.
Lower Utility Bills
Using less energy to cool your home means lower energy costs. Using the best thermostat schedule for your routine can help lower your monthly bills. Adjusting it for the season also helps.
Longer System Lifespan
A consistent thermostat schedule prevents your system from being overused and reduces unnecessary wear and tear. Since your HVAC isn’t under extra strain, your system will last longer than one that runs constantly.
Improved Comfort
Having a thermostat routine based on your schedule means your home is always comfortable when you’re home. You can also customize your thermostat for day and night, giving you increased comfort and better sleep.
How to Set a Thermostat Schedule That Works
Getting your thermostat settings right isn’t hard, but it does take some planning. Here's how to set a thermostat schedule that gives you the best efficiency:
Set a Schedule in Line With Your Daily Routine
- Morning: Set it to increase the temperature for when you wake up.
- Daytime: Raise or lower the temperature when you're away, depending on the season and whether you’ll be home.
- Evening: Choose a comfortable temperature when you’re back home after work or school.
- Night: Lowering the temperature when you’re sleeping conserves energy and allows you to get better sleep.
Seasonal Thermostat Settings
- Winter: Lower the heat to 62°F to 65°F at night or when you’re not home. Keep it around 68°F to 70°F when you’re home for peak efficiency.
- Summer: To avoid cooling an empty house, set it at around 78°F when home and raise it to 85°F while away. Avoid cranking it down too low. This doesn’t make it cool faster. It just wastes energy.
- Spring & Fall: Take advantage of mild weather by opening windows for ventilation when possible. Consider setting your thermostat to off to take advantage of the moderate weather.
Don’t Forget Humidity
In summer, high indoor humidity can make you feel warmer. Consider using a dehumidifier or a smart thermostat to monitor humidity levels. They help you control moisture levels better, avoiding running your air conditioner too much.
Benefits of a Smart Thermostat
Smart thermostats are Wi-Fi-enabled to make managing your home’s temperature easier and more efficient. They let you control things from your smartphone and can change the temperature based on your daily routine. They also learn your habits over time, automatically adjusting settings based on your lifestyle.
You can control them from anywhere, making it easy to change the temperature no matter where you are. Smart thermostats are especially helpful for managing seasonal thermostat settings. They also integrate seamlessly with smart home systems like Alexa and Google Home. Smart thermostats are a wise investment for homeowners looking to improve energy efficiency and comfort.
Common Thermostat Mistakes to Avoid
Drastic Temperature Settings
Many people think that turning their thermostats way down in summer or way up in winter will heat or cool their homes faster. However, pushing it too hard makes it work longer, which wastes energy and causes extra wear on your system. Instead, aim for gradual temperature changes to reach your desired comfort level.
Forgetting About Seasonal Adjustments
Your thermostat schedule should be adjusted seasonally. What works in the middle of winter won’t keep you comfortable during a summer heatwave. Not updating your thermostat schedule when the weather changes can lead to discomfort. It can also increase energy use and harm your heating or cooling system.
Overriding the Schedule Too Often
Smart and programmable thermostats follow the schedule you set. However, changing that schedule too often can lower their efficiency. If you frequently change the temperature, your settings may not fit your lifestyle, and it might be time to adjust your routine.
Get The Most From Your HVAC With a Proper Thermostat Schedule
Setting a thermostat schedule is one of the easiest and most effective ways to boost comfort and cut costs. With the proper seasonal settings and some expert help, your home can stay comfortable while using less energy.
Contact Ardmore Fresh Air today to schedule your thermostat consultation or upgrade to a smart thermostat that does the work for you.
