Thermostat Mistakes That Could Make Your HVAC Work Too Hard
If it’s programmed well, a thermostat can be one of your biggest allies in the fight to keep energy bills low. However, many homeowners feel uninformed about their thermostat, and may not know how to use it effectively. By following the tips below, you’ll avoid some common misconceptions and maximize your home’s HVAC efficiency.
3 Common Thermostat Mistakes to Avoid This Summer
1. Cranking It Up
When your home is hot, it’s probably tempting to put the temperature a few degrees cooler, so the home cools more quickly. However, this doesn’t affect the rate of cooling, only the point when your system will turn off. You’ll end up with a home that’s cooler than you need, and it won’t get there any faster. While you’re waiting for the AC to take effect, run a few fans to circulate the air and make your home less stuffy.
2. Letting the Unit Run Constantly
If the thermostat is left to run constantly, it will keep pace with the hottest hours of the day. This means that you might be expending the most energy on cooling your home during hours that you’re gone. The schedule function helps to avoid this problem. While you’re at work, have the thermostat hold your home at a warmer temperature. Then, program it to turn on the AC shortly before you arrive.
3. Constantly Adjusting
As temperatures in your home fluctuate, you may be tempted to bump the thermostat up and down a few degrees. However, these constant micro-adjustments force your HVAC system to work harder. Stick to your programmed settings, and make sure your family members aren’t making adjustments of their own. Instead, layer clothing to make it easy to adapt to temperature fluctuations.
For thermostat updates, HVAC tuneups, and other ways to save money on your energy bills, contact the pros at B&B Plumbing & Heating. Based in Oxford, OH, they’ve served Southwest Ohio, Southeast Indiana, and Northern Kentucky since 1985. Whether you have a leaking pipe, clogged drain, broken furnace, or aging AC, they will help. To learn more about their services, call (513) 523-4010 or visit them online.
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