Summers in Westchester are hot and humid. Keeping your home cool in the summer can be a challenge, especially if you are on a tight budget. Fortunately, adjusting the settings on your thermostat can help you to improve your comfort and cut your energy costs. Here are four tips for setting your thermostat for summer.
1. Choose the Right Programmable Thermostat
Choosing the right thermostat can help you to control the temperature, humidity and energy consumption in your home. Most programmable thermostats are electromechanical, digital or both. Digital thermostats offer more programming options than electromechanical thermostats and are ideal for those with a busy schedule. Programmable thermostats are not universal, so it is essential to choose a model that is appropriate for your HVAC system.
2. Program Your Thermostat Accordingly
Most programmable thermostats have four settings: wake, away, return and sleep. Setting the start and end times for each period can help you to adjust the temperature of your home based on your personal schedule. For best results, program your thermostat to shut off 30 minutes before you are due to leave the house and turn on 30 minutes before you are due to return.
3. Set the Temperature for Summer
Setting your thermostat for summer can help you to save money and stay cool. For optimum comfort, set your thermostat at 78 F when you are home. In the winter, it shouldn’t be set above 68 degrees in order to maximize savings. Reduce the temperature 60 minutes before sleeping and increase it 30 minutes before waking. Remember that using a ceiling or room fan will allow you to raise your thermostat setting about 4 F without compromising comfort.
Getting used to a warmer indoor temperature can take some time, but will help your wallet in the long run. Start by increasing the temperature by one degree each day until you get to 78 F. Your body will gradually adjust to the new temperatures. A good rule of thumb is on average; every degree you raise your thermostat in winter or lower in summer will save you around 2% on your energy bill. According to EnergyStar, installing a programmable thermostat can save them anywhere from 10 to 30% on the space heating and cooling portion of their energy bills.
4. Ask A. Borrelli Mechanical About Smart Programmable Thermostats
Replacing your thermostat with a smart programmable thermostat is one of the cheapest and easiest changes you can make to your HVAC system. Smart thermostats allow you to remotely adjust your home’s temperature via an app downloaded to an Internet-enabled device. These apps make programming quicker and easier, helping you to cool your home more efficiently.
For more information on setting your thermostat for optimum comfort and efficiency, contact A. Borrelli Mechanical today to schedule an appointment.
