You could be having the most efficient Thermostat unit and still be paying high energy bills because of having improper Thermostat settings. Keep in mind that no matter how much automation a device can perform, it would still require your interference in order to perform with optimal efficiency. With special reference to Thermostats, it has been reported by Energy Star that homeowners pay up to $2,000 annually in excess as a result of using appliances and gadgets with the wrong settings. It is estimated that up to $180 can be saved annually just by following some energy efficient thermostat settings. And that's a great deal of saving, isn't it? With $180, you could have a good pair of shoes, a stylish new handbag or a beautiful Valentine's gift. So, let us help you learn how to make those annual savings.
But before we begin, understand the fact that different homeowners have different bodily needs. Some people may be needing more warmth and other less or vice versa. An ideal Thermostat setting, however, keeps almost everyone within the zone of comfort. While these settings may be altered when people with special needs are at home, they should be followed precisely for the vacations and everyday outdoor hours; office, shopping etc. Every single day will count and at the end of the 365 days, the energy saving will result in saving you the dollars that you could enjoy elsewhere. Eureka!
Ideal Thermostat settings for winters
Here's a common mistake that homeowners make in winter. As it gets extremely cold outside, the common sense says thermostat settings should be set at the highest possible limit. Doing so takes a whole lot of energy and keeps the system burdened with a constant operation. While in reality, home can be kept comfortably warm with moderate settings. And what are those moderate settings?In winters, the best temperature to set when you are at home is 68-degree Fahrenheit. When away, reduce the temperature by 10-15 degrees. This can save you on bills as the change of 10-15 degrees in temperature for a period of around eight hours is sure to drop your annual bills by 10%. Remember the shoes and bags and Valentine's gift idea? ;)
Beware to not lower the temperature below 40-degree Fahrenheit if you've plants and pets at home. Moreover, the drain and sewer pipes may burst as a result of low indoor temperature. In case of plant and pets, don't go below 50 degrees. To protect the interior and pipes etc, don't reduce the temperature below 40 degrees.
Ideal Thermostat settings for Summer
Summers are beautiful, aren't they? But they do have the potential to bring you some real shocks in the form of hefty energy bills. Here's what the ideal settings should be to save you from those shocks.Set the Thermostat at 78 degrees Fahrenheit (26C) when the home is occupied. You can keep the temperature at 76-F too and go a little more than 78-F. The warmer you home would be, the slowly the outdoor heat will penetrate in. 76-F or above!
So the next time you analyse your annual bills, you'll be excited to see the savings you made with these little energy efficient practices of setting your Thermostat the right way. Happy savings!