Knowing the optimal thermostat settings can help reduce your energy bills this season without compromising comfort. In this guide, we will reveal simple yet effective strategies to optimize your thermostat settings.

How Does a Thermostat Work? 

At the heart of your HVAC system lies the thermostat, a small but crucial device that regulates indoor temperature. By sensing the ambient temperature, it directs your heating or cooling equipment to activate or deactivate, maintaining your desired comfort levels.

Your thermostat’s settings wield considerable influence over your monthly energy expenses. With minor adjustments, you can achieve substantial savings while ensuring year-round comfort. 

The Control Center for Energy Savings

Small changes to your thermostat can have a surprisingly big impact on your energy bills.  Let’s explore five key ways your thermostat settings influence your monthly expenses:

The Degree Difference

In both winter and summer, every degree you adjust your thermostat up or down translates to potential savings or increased costs. Each degree can save approximately 3% on your heating and cooling bills.

Home or Away

Setting back your thermostat when your house is empty for several hours saves significant energy. The further you adjust based on your schedule, the greater the savings.

Sleeping Adjustments

You don’t need the same level of warmth or cooling while asleep.  Even slight overnight thermostat adjustments add up to big energy savings over a month.

Seasonal Shifts

Don’t be afraid to let indoor temperatures fluctuate slightly with outdoor conditions.  A bit warmer in summer and cooler in winter can cut usage significantly.

Thermostat Technology

Upgrading to a programmable or smart thermostat automates savings.  These devices adjust temperatures based on your schedule and can learn your preferences for maximum efficiency.

Finding Your Ideal Temperature Range

While there are general recommendations, the perfect thermostat settings for your home depend on several factors, including personal comfort, climate, and energy-saving goals. 

Let’s find the perfect balance of comfort and savings!

The Starting Point

The U.S. Department of Energy (DoE) suggests 68°F in winter and 78°F in summer as good baselines for balancing comfort with energy efficiency.

Personal Preference

Do you tend to feel warmer or colder than most? Adjust the DoE guidelines by a degree or two to fine-tune your comfort.

Seasonal Adjustments

Allowing the indoor temperature to drift slightly with outdoor conditions can save energy. Tolerating a bit warmer in summer and cooler in winter can lead to significant savings.

Time of Day

Don’t forget to leverage nighttime and away-from-home periods for further energy reduction. Lowering the winter thermostat or raising the summer setting during these times has no impact on your comfort when you’re not there to notice.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DoE) provides research-backed guidelines to help homeowners make energy-efficient choices and emphasizes that even small adjustments make a difference!

Thermostat Buying Tips 

Upgrading your thermostat is a smart investment in both comfort and energy savings. Here’s a breakdown of your options:

Basic & Reliable

Manual thermostats offer simplicity and affordability. They’re a great choice if you have a consistent routine and don’t mind making manual adjustments.

Programmable

These take the work out of saving energy!  You set your preferred temperatures based on your schedule (e.g., warmer when home, cooler when away), and the thermostat handles the rest.

Smart Thermostats

Packed with features, smart thermostats often have Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing for remote control and advanced programming. Many learn your habits over time, tailoring adjustments perfectly to your needs for maximum comfort and efficiency.

Sunset Air Expertise

Choosing the right thermostat and ensuring proper installation is crucial. We’ll help you assess your needs, explain the features of different models, and ensure your new thermostat is integrated seamlessly with your HVAC system.

The Benefits of Upgrading Your Thermostat

Enlisting professional expertise for Wi-Fi thermostat installation and replacement is crucial. Our skilled technicians ensure proper setup and offer valuable insights for maximizing efficiency.  Upgrading to a smart or Wi-Fi connected thermostat revolutionizes the way you interact with your HVAC systems, offering a plethora of advantages:

Accuracy

Smart thermostats boast exceptional accuracy, eliminating any uncertainty about the displayed temperature. You can trust that the temperature readings are precise, ensuring optimal comfort levels in your home.

Programming

With advanced programming capabilities, smart thermostats empower you to create customized heating and cooling schedules tailored to your lifestyle. Many of these systems even have learning capabilities, adapting to your preferences over time to maximize energy efficiency and comfort.

Remote Capabilities

One of the standout features of Wi-Fi connected thermostats is their remote accessibility. Whether you’re at home or halfway around the world, you can effortlessly adjust your thermostat settings using your smartphone, tablet, or computer. Say goodbye to worrying about forgetting to adjust the temperature before leaving the house.

Environmental Adjustment

Smart thermostats often integrate environmental sensors to analyze local weather conditions. This enables the system to make automatic adjustments based on factors like humidity levels and unexpected temperature changes. By maintaining a comfortable indoor environment while conserving energy, these thermostats enhance both comfort and efficiency.

Beyond Just Your Thermostat

While optimizing your thermostat is a fantastic start, there’s even more you can do to achieve greater energy efficiency throughout your home. 

Sunset Air offers services to help you create a truly energy-smart space:

Energy Audits

Our trained professionals can pinpoint where your home may be wasting energy, going beyond basic thermostat settings to identify solutions for maximizing your comfort and minimizing your bills through the Annual HVAC maintenance program.

Ductwork Expertise

Leaky or poorly insulated air ducts force your heating and cooling systems to work harder. Sunset Air offers duct cleaning and sealing services to ensure your HVAC system’s efficiency isn’t being compromised.

Cut Energy Costs, Not Comfort

Tired of high energy bills? With these easy tips, you can create a comfortable home while making your energy dollars go further.

Embrace the Power of Setbacks

Lower your thermostat when you’re away or asleep (winter) and raise it in those situations during summer. Even a few degrees save energy without impacting comfort.

Upgrade Your Thermostat

Programmable or smart thermostats automate the setback process, saving you effort and maximizing efficiency.

Harness the Sun

 In winter, open blinds on sunny days to let natural heat in.  Close blinds during peak summer sun to keep the heat out, reducing your AC’s workload.

Utilize Fans

Ceiling fans create a cooling breeze in summer, allowing you to raise the thermostat a few degrees while staying comfortable.

Maintenance Matters

Get your AC serviced regularly by a qualified HVAC technician.  A clean, well-maintained system runs at peak efficiency, keeping energy bills low.

Sunset Air – Your Partner in Thermostat Excellence

When it comes to ensuring the smooth operation of your heating and cooling systems, trust us for all your thermostat needs and air conditioning installations in Lacey, WA. Often, issues with your heater or air conditioner stem from a malfunctioning thermostat, underscoring the importance of regular maintenance and repair services. Our skilled technicians are adept at identifying and addressing any thermostat issues, ensuring optimal functionality.

With the myriad of smart thermostat options available today, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one for your home. However, our experts are here to guide you through the selection process, matching you with a system that perfectly aligns with your comfort requirements. We proudly offer Nest thermostats, renowned for their excellence in home comfort and energy efficiency.

Don’t hesitate to reach out to us – whether you click or call, we’re here to provide you with all the information you need to make the best choice for your home’s comfort and efficiency.