The Best Thermostat Setting to Keep You Warm and Lower Your Energy Bill
Watch this: Easy Ways to Lower Your Utility Bills and Save Money
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Does it matter what type of HVAC you have?
Yes and no. The same general temperature recommendations apply regardless of the type of HVAC you have in your home, Picard says.
But your results may vary depending on the type and size of your system. Systems that are over- or under-sized for your home will run inefficiently, which leads to higher heating and cooling costs.
This is why Picard recommends that you have an HVAC professional inspect and clean your system annually. These pros can tell you how best to use your specific system for the best comfort and efficiency, he said.
Avoid this common thermostat mistake
Say your home is quite a bit colder than you’d prefer, and you want it to be perfect now. It may be 65 F inside and you may want it to be 70 F. Don’t set it to 75 in the hopes that it will warm it up faster. Most HVAC units have two settings — on or off — and there’s no getting to 70 F any more quickly.
Set your thermostat to the temperature you want it to be. Setting to a warmer or cooler temperature than you actually desire in the hopes that will speed things along will just result in overcooling or overheating — and overspending on your energy bills.
Is your thermostat in the wrong place?
Your thermostat knows how to set the temperature because it has a thermometer in it. So if your thermostat is in the wrong spot, it won’t give you an accurate reading of the temp in your home.
You want to avoid having your thermostat in a location that sees frequent changes in temperature or humidity, like in the kitchen or the bathroom. If it’s on an exterior wall, it might be more sensitive to outdoor temperature changes.
Instead, try to position your thermostat on an interior wall in a location like your living room.
And if you have a thermostat that supports external room sensors, having sensors in other locations, like a bedroom, can help you better regulate the temperature in the rooms where you spend most of your time.
Save money by setting your thermostat
Reducing your energy bills this year doesn’t have to be hard.
“There’s a huge misconception that in order to be energy efficient you must be uncomfortable,” Picard said.
Homeowners can also look at areas beyond their thermostat. Investing in good insulation, for example, can greatly reduce how much strain you put on your HVAC system.
“You’d be surprised how much energy we blow right through our attics,” Picard said.
That annual inspection and maintenance appointment can also help save you money. Picard said buildup within your HVAC system can lead to efficiency losses of up to 10% annually, which you’ll see on your energy bill. That’s why having it cleaned every year is a good move.
And if you’re in the market for a new HVAC system, it’s a great time to take stock and make sure what you have fits your specific home.
