With hot summer temperatures quickly approaching, homeowners are faced with the challenge of finding an affordable way to keep their interiors cool. Managing the thermostat properly is an essential step for managing your energy usage without sacrificing comfort. Follow these HVAC service strategies to control your programmable device this summer. 

HVAC Service Guide to Smart Thermostat Use

How to Set It at Home

Every degree makes a difference in setting your thermostat, so set it at the highest possible temperature that you’re comfortable in. Ideally, aim for 78 degrees Fahrenheit. Use your programmable thermostat to suit your schedule. When you're gone at work for the day, set the thermostat to the low 80’s. Schedule it to lower the temperature back to 78 degrees around 5:00 PM when you return home, and it will be comfortable by the time you arrive. Raise it back to the low 80’s while everyone is sleeping at night.

How to Set It on Vacation

When you leave for vacation, do not turn off your system altogether. Keeping it running a little bit while you’re gone will increase the cooling efficiency when it’s time to return. Leaving the home free to get hotter than 90 degrees Fahrenheit can harm temperature-sensitive components in your appliances. Instead, set the thermostat between 85 to 90 degrees.

Other Strategies for Reducing Energy Use

In addition to programming your thermostat, there are other simple ways to maximize your HVAC service efficiency. Use ceiling fans in the rooms that you’re using; by keeping the air moving, you can make the room feel four degrees cooler. Use your window treatments, such as blinds and curtains, to block out the sun. The sun’s rays will otherwise enter your home and get trapped inside where they turn into heat, warming up the space like a greenhouse.

If you don’t currently have a programmable thermostat in your home, it’s time to have your HVAC contractor install one. Peak Performance Heating & Air provides a full range of HVAC services at affordable prices throughout Habersham, White, and Lumpkin counties in Georgia. In addition to a helpful thermostat, they can provide routine HVAC maintenance to keep your system running as efficiently as possible. Contact them online or call (706) 219-1016 to schedule a free estimate today.