Your thermostat plays a critical role in maintaining your home’s comfort. When there’s a chill in the air, it’s necessary to set a temperature that keeps you and your family safe and warm. But if you don’t use caution when setting the thermostat to control the HVAC unit, you may be surprised by an elevated energy bill or an unexpected furnace repair. Here are three common thermostat errors that can add up to big expenses.

Costly Mistakes You Might Be Making With Your Thermostat

1. Maintaining the Same Temperature

Your thermostat has a responsibility to maintain an indoor temperature that keeps you comfortable. It will have a tougher time accomplishing that goal if the temperatures outside fluctuate constantly, but the number on the thermostat remains the same. You can improve its efficiency by setting the thermostat to adjust periodically — ideally every eight hours to prevent burdening your HVAC system. Setting it slightly lower at night and while you’re at work is an effective way to save on energy.

2. Turning Up the Thermostat to Heat Quickly

A thermostat can only do so much to heat up your home. It’s designed to regulate the temperature setting, but it can’t control how fast that it reaches that level. This is why it’s counterproductive to turn up the thermostat to a higher setting to warm up your rooms faster. You’ll only force the HVAC system to work harder to reach that higher level, which will use more energy and may lead to furnace repairs if the unit becomes overheated.

3. Adjusting the Temperature Frequently

If you and other family members constantly adjust the thermostat to individually desired temperatures, the HVAC system has to work that much harder to reach that moving setting. This puts unnecessary strain on the system and could lead to premature failure if it becomes a frequent habit. It’s better to make minor adjustments or to use a programmable thermostat that changes the temperature with less frequency so that you don’t have to worry about repairing the unit more often than necessary.

The experts at Hufford Heating & Air Conditioning take your comfort seriously. They’ve served homeowners and businesses throughout Cincinnati, OH, for more than 65 years. Whether you need to schedule basic HVAC maintenance or furnace repairs, you can trust them to handle the job efficiently. And if you’re concerned about elevated energy bills, they’ll assess the condition of your system to determine the most effective way to save money. Visit their website to find out more, or call them at (513) 683-2040 to schedule an appointment.