Homeowners here in Nashville require air conditioning during the summer months, but this can get expensive… You may be wondering if adjusting your thermostat will save you money. Generally speaking, the answer is yes.
Sounds great, right? I mean, who isn’t looking for new ways to cut down on monthly bills? That said, many people think that simply turning their thermostat down will do the trick, but that’s not always the case.
In order to save money on your monthly heating and cooling bills, it’s important to understand how a thermostat works. By adjusting your thermostat in the right way, you can see significant energy savings on your bill each month.
In order to save money on your monthly heating and cooling bills, it’s important to understand how a thermostat works.
Does Turning the A/C Off When Leaving for the Day Help Save Money?
Many people believe that turning their air conditioning unit off when they leave for the day can help save money on their energy bills. Unfortunately, this isn’t always true. In fact, in some situations, it may be more expensive to turn the unit off and then turn it back on again when you return home than it would be to leave it running all day.
Why is this? Air conditioners are most efficient when they are operating at a constant temperature. When you turn your air conditioner off and then back on again, it takes extra energy to cool the unit down to its desired temperature. As a result, you may actually end up using more energy – and spending more money – by turning your A/C off and on throughout the day.
Do you have a programmable thermostat? Here’s our tip: Set it to raise or lower the temperature by 5-7 degrees depending on the season while you are away and then turn it back to normal comfort level setting just before you arrive home. This way, you won’t have to waste any energy cooling an empty house.
Does Adjusting the Thermostat Throughout the Day Save Money?
The answer to this one may depend on a number of factors, including the type of heating and cooling system you have, the climate you live in, and your personal preferences.
For example, if you have a central air unit, it will take less energy to maintain a consistent temperature than it would to constantly adjust the setting. Likewise, if you live in an area with extreme temperatures, it may be more economical to keep your home at a comfortable middle ground rather than constantly adjusting the thermostat.
However, if you’re looking to reduce your energy usage, there are other things you can do that are more effective than constantly changing the temperature. A programmable thermostat can be set to automatically adjust the temperature based on your schedule. So, you can set it to be cooler when you’re home and awake and warmer when you’re asleep or away. This way, you won’t have to worry about manually adjusting the thermostat throughout the day and calculating the perfect temperature for each situation.
Should the Temp Just Stay Consistent for the Biggest Savings?
Most HVAC professionals state that the best way to save money on your heating and cooling costs may be to adjust the temperature based on the time of day.
For example, during the daytime when everyone is home, you can set the thermostat a few degrees lower than usual. Then, at night when everyone is asleep, you can increase the temperature by a few degrees. By taking advantage of natural fluctuations in outdoor temperatures, you can significantly reduce your energy consumption – and your costs!
Most HVAC professionals state that the best way to save money on your heating and cooling costs may be to adjust the temperature based on the time of day.
However, there are a few things to consider when making this decision:
- How well insulated is your home? If your home is well-insulated, you won’t need to use as much energy to maintain a comfortable temperature.
- What is the climate like in your area? If you live in an area with mild winters and hot summers, you’ll want to adjust your thermostat accordingly.
- How much time do you spend at home? If you’re gone for most of the day, it doesn’t make sense to keep your home as warm or cool as if you were there all day.
Considering all of these factors will help you decide whether it’s best to keep your temperature consistent or adjust it throughout the day. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but by being thoughtful about your circumstances, you can find the approach that will work best for you.
Does Adjusting the Temp Put More Work on the HVAC System?
Making slight adjustments to the temperature can actually help your HVAC system run more efficiently during specific times of the day. For example, setting the temperature a few degrees cooler during the heating season in the evening can help reduce energy consumption. Likewise, raising the temperature control a few degrees during the day can help prevent cooling an unoccupied home.
Now, if your system is old or not well-maintained, adjusting the temperature too frequently can shorten its lifespan. Additionally, if it is not sized correctly for your home, adjusting the temperature can put too much strain on it, leading to premature failure.
Finding the right balance for your home and family is vital. Adjusting your thermostat is one of the best ways to save money on your air conditioning costs. By learning about how thermostats work and how they impact your energy bill, you can make the best decision for your unique situation.
More Questions? Give Us a Call
As you’ve likely gathered, the answer to these questions is a little more complicated than a simple yes or no. Depending on your climate, the time of year, and how you use your thermostat, adjusting it could save you money – or it might not make much of a difference at all. If you’re looking for ways to reduce your energy bill this winter or during summer, Airbusters can help. We offer heating and cooling services that are designed to help you save money and keep your home comfortable all season long.
Maintaining your HVAC system is one of the best ways to reduce your energy consumption and our team of experts knows how to do just that. Contact us today at 615-247-6617 or reach out online to learn more.