When the temperature outside is climbing higher, many people are tempted to turn their thermostat down a few degrees to combat the heat. It may be tempting to make your home feel like a winter wonderland inside when the temperatures outside are rising. However, too many homeowners have the temperature set far too low inside their home. This one mistake could be costing you more on your energy bills at the end of the month and causing too much wear and tear on the unit.
How can you tell if your thermostat is set too low for the local area? Here are a few of the most common mistakes people make when they turn down their thermostat. See if you are guilty of these errors and then find a solution that can help you save more money!
Turning Down the Thermostat to Cool Down Faster
Rising temperatures often make you feel like your home should be even cooler than usual. This prompts many homeowners to turn their thermostat down a few more degrees to help things along. They reason that it can cool their home down faster, but you may find that this isn’t the truth. You are simply causing more strain on your air conditioner.
No matter what temperature you set your thermostat at, the blower speed is going to be exactly the same. The air conditioner can achieve smaller temperature changes much faster because it requires less work. However, setting a larger change isn’t going to make the fan move any faster. Avoid setting the thermostat forty degrees lower than usual in an attempt to cool down your home. Not only will it not work, but you will waste precious energy attempting to do so.
Leaving Your Thermostat the Same All Day
Did you know that installing a programmable thermostat could save you up to $180 per year? A programmable thermostat allows you to change the temperature during two key parts of the day: at night while you sleep and the eight-hour stretch when you’re at work. During these times, your thermostat should be set approximately seven degrees higher than it is when you’re at home and awake. This can help to prevent excess wear and tear on the machine as it attempts to cool the home even though no one is available to enjoy it.
Changing the Thermostat Frequently
The air conditioning unit has just turned off, but you realized that things are still feeling a little warm. You may be tempted to turn the thermostat down a few more degrees, but you should be cautioned against it. Forcing the air conditioner to kick-start itself over and over again wastes energy and causes significant wear and tear on the machine.
Overall, it is best to choose one consistent temperature for your home and to only change it when you will be away for long periods of time. Most people prefer a temperature in the mid- to upper-seventies to help reduce wear on their unit and still allow them to be comfortable. A good rule of thumb is to set the thermostat to a temperature that is as warm as you can tolerate.
