Thermostats are one of the most important parts of an HVAC system as they control everything and signal the system when to turn on and off. For this reason, it’s essential to clarify some misconceptions that many in Carlsbad, CA, have about their thermostats. Let’s review some common thermostat myths and what the facts are.
1. Turning the Thermostat Up or Down Increases the Rate of Heating and Cooling
No one likes coming home to rooms that feel too hot or too cold, but many people crank their thermostats up or down, believing this will help heat or cool the home faster. Your HVAC system always operates at the same rate, and, unfortunately, there’s no way you can increase the speed at which the system heats or cools.
2. Shutting the Thermostat Off Will Lower Your Energy Costs
Any time the weather is hot or cold enough that you require air conditioning or heating, you should always leave the thermostat on so your HVAC system will run as needed, but you should never completely shut off the system. Doing so could cause the indoor temperature to become much hotter or colder, which causes the furnace or AC to work harder once you turn it back on. As a result, the system will typically use more energy than if you had initially adjusted the thermostat to a higher or lower temperature, a repeated process that may eventually lead to needing more frequent cooling and/or heating repairs.
3. A Programmable Thermostat Will Automatically Save You Money
Programmable thermostats can help decrease your cooling and heating costs, but they can’t do it automatically. Lowering or raising the temperature setting before you go out or go to sleep may reduce your energy bills. If you constantly leave the thermostat set to the same temperature, you’ll be wasting energy as there’s no need for the house to be as hot or cool when you’re sleeping or not at home.
4. Adjusting the Thermostat By a Few Degrees Won’t Have Much of an Impact
For every one degree lower that you set your thermostat in the winter or summer, your heating or cooling costs could reduce by up to 3 percent. This may not sound like much, but it can still add up to decent savings if you get used to constantly having your thermostat set slightly higher in summer and lower in winter.
The US Department of Energy states that lowering the thermostat by approximately 7 degrees for just eight hours every day can save you upwards of 10% every year. The savings may be even larger if you program the thermostat to a different temperature overnight, when you’re bundled up at home and when you’re out of the home.
5. Thermostat Location Isn’t Important
The location of your thermostat is significant for determining how accurately it measures the temperature inside your home. If the thermostat is exposed to direct sunlight or is in a hotter area like a kitchen or bathroom, your home will typically feel too cold in the winter, and your AC will run more than needed in the summer. The opposite is true if the thermostat is on an exterior wall, near a window or door or in a location that’s colder than the rest of the building.
Ideally, the thermostat should be on an interior wall in a room you frequently use that accurately represents the temperature in the rest of the building. If not, you may want to consider having your thermostat moved by a professional, as it could help lower your energy costs and improve your comfort level.
As you can see, your thermostat has a much bigger impact on your energy bills and how well your heating and cooling systems work than you may have realized, but our experts can help. Contact the family-owned West Coast Heating, Air Conditioning and Solar if you have any issues with your thermostat or need any HVAC services in Carlsbad, CA.
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