Using Your Thermostat Wisely

Excerpt: Your thermostat is the key to heating your home efficiently at less cost this winter. Check out the information in this article to discover how to use your thermostat to its fullest potential.

Your thermostat acts as a control system for your Omaha home’s HVAC system. The settings on the thermostat determine how often your furnace runs during the winter to maintain the temperature inside your home. Understanding the factors that affect your thermostat and how to use it wisely will ensure you get the most for your home’s heating system for exceptional comfort all winter long.

Placement

Efficient home heating depends upon a thermostat that accurately measures the temperature inside your home. If your thermostat is located in an area of your home that doesn’t provide a good representation of the overall temperature, it can’t regulate heating effectively. Thermostats located near windows and exterior doors can be affected by the weather and time of day. Your thermostat should be placed on an interior wall in an area of your home that is free from drafts, direct sunlight, and other sources of heat or cold. Avoid placing appliances and lighting near your thermostat as well, as these can put out heat that also affects the reading. If you think your thermostat might be affected by temperature changes at its current location, contact an HVAC professional to have it moved to a better location.

Zoning

System zoning uses multiple thermostats throughout your home to offer finer control over your furnace’s function. One popular zoning configuration creates one zone on the ground floor of your home and a second zone on the upper story of the building. This form of zoning allows you to keep the upstairs bedrooms cooler during the day when they are not in use, then switch your heating to the upper level only at night. Zoning your home is not a do-it-yourself project; an HVAC professional should install your thermostats and set up the system so it will function properly and offer you the greatest energy savings.

Programming

A programmable thermostat can help you save up to 10% on your monthly heating bills. Older thermostats require you to manually turn the set temperature up or down each time you wish to make a change. If you forget to change the thermostat or have trouble setting the temperature accurately, your furnace could run more than necessary and cost you more to operate. A programmable thermostat allows you to create and set a program to automatically control your home’s temperature even if you are away or forget to make a change. Creating a program that keeps your home cooler while you are sleeping or away from home and warmer only when you are home and active can help you consistently spend less on your monthly utilities.

Placing and using your thermostat properly can help you save money, reduce your carbon footprint, and prolong the lifetime of your furnace. If you have questions about your thermostat or would like to find out more about home temperature zoning and programmable thermostat options in Omaha, click through our website to find out more. We also invite you to check out our blog for more professional heating and cooling tips throughout the year.