The thermostat is a vital part of maintaining comfort in your home throughout the year. Unfortunately, many people are often careless in the way they set their thermostats, turning them up and down throughout the day based on the whims of their comfort. This may not seem like it’s a big deal, but poor thermostat settings can lead to energy waste and a heating and air conditioning system that undergoes too much stress.

This winter, follow this advice to maximize comfort with your thermostat without wasting power:

Set 68°F during the day, with an 8–10° setback at night

The U.S. Department of Energy recommends keeping the thermostat steady at 68°F during the day when the household is awake. The majority of people will find this a sufficiently warm temperature, no matter the weather outdoors. The temperature may be set higher if there are infants or elderly people in the house. At times when everyone is asleep or when the house is empty, program a setback temperature of 8° to 10°F.

The reason that a steady, lower temperature is more energy efficient is that it slows down heat loss to the outside. The higher the heat concentration indoors, the faster it escapes outside and creates energy waste. Pushing the thermostat up to its highest setting, such as 85°F, allows too much heat to escape, and isn’t even a comfortable temperature anyway.

Upgrade your thermostat

If you don’t have a programmable thermostat, it’s harder to make the best use of these settings. If you still run your HVAC system with a manual thermostat or a no-frills digital model, it’s definitely time to upgrade. Even the most basic programmable model will make for a big improvement, and the newer line of digital and “smart” thermostats offer even more advantages. Ask our technicians about the best replacement thermostat for your home.

If you need thermostat repair or replacement in Durham, NC, call on Bud Matthews Services.