Year-Round Thermostat Setting Tips

It’s inevitable that even keeping in mind your tight budget, the hot Maryland sun will drive you to crank up your AC in the summer. And when the sunny days of earlier months pass and you’re left with a cold winter, the temptation to turn up the heat is unavoidable.

Though these may seem like the only options to survive the climate, there are cheaper and more efficient ways to manage your thermostat year-round and not melt or freeze in the process.

To schedule thermostat service in Gaithersburg, Maryland or the surrounding areas, contact us online now to schedule an appointment, or give us a call at (301) 241-9636.

The Perfect Temperature Cheat Sheet

When it comes to the “magic number” to set your thermostat to in winter and summer, we’ve got you covered.

According to energy.gov, in the winter your thermostat should sit at 68°. In the summer, try to stick to around 78°.

Nervous that these will rack up your bills? If you leave your home at these temperatures all day, it could.

A great way to save money is by turning your thermostat lower in the winter and higher in the summer when you sleep and when you’re out of the house for the day. (A programmable thermostat can help this happen automatically and not cause you to run to adjust it the second you walk in the door).

Turning your thermostat back 7°-10° from its normal setting for eight hours a day could save you as much as 10% a year on heating and cooling.

Thermostat Location

According to energy.gov, the location of your thermostat can also affect its performance. Be sure not to place lamps, televisions, or other heat sources close to your thermostat. They may cause your air conditioner unit to run longer than needed.

Placing any large piece of furniture or below your thermostat will block natural air movements, so avoid this as well.

Benefits of Programmable Thermostats

Programmable thermostats are a great way to control your home’s temperature, save energy, and still maintain a comfortable home. These thermostats can adjust the temperature for you according to the preferences you set.

Setting your temperature to increase or decrease to a comfortable temperature 30 minutes before you return home from work is an efficient way to do this.

A common misconception is that this method is inefficient due to the extra work a furnace or AC unit has to do to change back to a comfortable temperature. This is not true. You’re saving both energy and money by setting your thermostat lower (in the winter) and higher (in the summer) than your desirable temperature when you’re not home.

If these temperatures stated previously are much higher or lower than you’re used to, raise/lower the temperature gradually. Start by increasing/decreasing it by one degree each day so your body can slowly adjust to the change.

HVAC Maintenance Tips

Maintenance for your heating and cooling system can help you save money and energy as well.

Air leakages could potentially pose large problems, including higher energy bills, more wear and tear on the system, and decreased air quality. Schedule an appointment to seal air leakages to assure that these problems don’t become a reality for your system.

If your system seems to be beyond simple repairs and you’re considering replacing it, schedule an appointment to check your options. Though replacing either is a large investment, it could save you a lot of money in the future.

To schedule thermostat services in Gaithersburg, Maryland, contact us now at (301) 241-9636!