How to Improve Home Efficiency With the Right Thermostat

Your thermostat is the central hub of your heating and cooling system, and when used correctly, it can have a significant impact on your home's energy efficiency. A properly set thermostat helps control the temperature in your home, reduces energy waste, and ultimately saves you money on your utility bills.

But not all thermostats are created equal, and many homeowners don’t realize that the way they use their thermostat can have a huge effect on home efficiency.

Whether you're dealing with an old model or you're looking to upgrade to a smart thermostat, understanding how to use it properly can help optimize your home’s energy consumption.

In this blog, we'll discuss how to improve your home’s energy efficiency with the right thermostat and share tips for maximizing your thermostat’s performance.

1. Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat

If you're still using a traditional, manual thermostat, it may be time to consider upgrading to a smart thermostat. These modern devices are designed to be more efficient and user-friendly, offering several benefits over older models:

• Learning capabilities: Smart thermostats can learn your schedule and preferences over time, adjusting the temperature automatically based on your habits. For example, if you’re typically away from home during the day, your thermostat can lower the temperature to save energy and raise it before you return.

  
  

• Remote control: Most smart thermostats come with mobile apps that allow you to control your heating and cooling system from anywhere, whether you’re at work or on vacation. This means you can adjust the temperature while you’re away, preventing energy waste.

  
  

• Energy usage tracking: Many smart thermostats offer insights into your energy usage, allowing you to monitor how much energy your system is using and make adjustments to improve efficiency.

  
  

• Zoning capabilities: Some smart thermostats allow you to create zones in your home, so you can set different temperatures in different areas, saving energy by only heating or cooling the rooms you're using.

Switching to a smart thermostat can be a game-changer when it comes to home efficiency, as it gives you more control over your HVAC system while reducing energy consumption.

2. Set Your Thermostat to Ideal Temperatures

Even if you have the latest and greatest thermostat, it’s important to set it to the right temperature to maximize energy efficiency. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, setting your thermostat to 68°F (20°C) while you’re awake and active can help reduce energy usage without sacrificing comfort during the winter months.

In the summer, setting your thermostat to 78°F (25°C) while you're home and active is a good rule of thumb for optimal efficiency.

3. Utilize Programmable Settings

If you have a programmable thermostat, take advantage of its features to create heating and cooling schedules that match your daily routine. For instance, you can program your thermostat to lower the temperature when you're asleep or away from home and raise it just before you return. This ensures that your system isn’t running unnecessarily when you don’t need it.

Setting your thermostat to automatically adjust based on your schedule is a simple yet effective way to save energy without even thinking about it. Most programmable thermostats offer multiple time slots throughout the day, so you can customize your temperature settings to fit your lifestyle.

4. Use the "Auto" Mode

Many thermostats have two main modes: "On" and "Auto." When the fan is set to "On," the fan runs continuously, even when the heating or cooling system isn’t actively engaged. This can lead to unnecessary energy usage, as the fan consumes power regardless of whether the system is heating or cooling.

To optimize efficiency, set your thermostat to "Auto" mode. In this mode, the fan will only run when the heating or cooling system is actively working, reducing energy consumption.

5. Keep Your Thermostat Away from Heat Sources

Where you place your thermostat can affect its performance. If your thermostat is placed near a heat source, such as a lamp, television, or oven, it may cause the thermostat to register a higher temperature than the rest of the room. As a result, it may signal your HVAC system to cool the space more than necessary, wasting energy.

Make sure your thermostat is located in a neutral, open area of your home, away from heat sources or drafts. This ensures that it provides accurate readings and helps your system operate more efficiently.

6. Regularly Maintain Your Thermostat

Like all HVAC components, your thermostat requires occasional maintenance to keep it working efficiently. Over time, dirt, dust, and debris can accumulate inside your thermostat, causing it to malfunction. Regularly check and clean your thermostat to ensure it's reading and responding accurately.

If you have an old manual thermostat, consider having a professional technician calibrate it for accurate temperature readings. If you’re using a smart or digital thermostat, make sure it’s updated with the latest firmware and software to ensure it's functioning optimally.

7. Consider a Zoned System

If your home has multiple levels or large rooms that are difficult to heat or cool evenly, consider installing a zoned heating and cooling system. This system allows you to set different temperatures for different areas or zones of your home, increasing comfort while reducing energy usage.

For example, you can set your thermostat to a cooler temperature in bedrooms while maintaining a warmer temperature in the living areas. This allows you to only condition the areas you're using, preventing unnecessary heating or cooling in unoccupied spaces.

8. Seal Gaps and Insulate Your Home

While a thermostat plays a significant role in controlling your home's temperature, the efficiency of your system is also affected by your home’s insulation and air sealing. Gaps around windows, doors, and ducts can lead to heat loss, making it harder for your thermostat to maintain the desired temperature.

By sealing air leaks and improving your home’s insulation, your thermostat won’t have to work as hard to keep your home comfortable, improving overall energy efficiency.

9. Don’t Overheat or Overcool

It's tempting to adjust your thermostat dramatically to quickly change the temperature, but doing so can put unnecessary strain on your system and waste energy. For example, if you're cold, avoid cranking up the heat to an extreme temperature.

Similarly, if you're hot, don’t turn the air conditioning down too low. Gradually adjust the temperature by a few degrees to maintain a more efficient system.

Are you ready to upgrade your thermostat?

Contact us today for an instant quote and expert advice on improving your home’s efficiency!