During periods of extreme weather, adjusting the thermostat can cause your utility bills to skyrocket. As a result, many Orlando homeowners struggle to find a balance between energy costs and comfort. Fortunately, there are simple ways to manage your thermostat to optimize the indoor temperature without sacrificing energy efficiency.
Recognize the Temperature/Efficiency Relationship
Depending on the season, raising or lowering the indoor setting one degree can save up to three percent on monthly utility costs. You can compensate for small changes in temperature by wearing a sweater in winter or light cotton materials in summer. If you’re single, or your family leaves the house at the same time, remember to adjust the setting up or down five degrees for maximum savings.
Installing Programmable Controls
Programmable units have the capacity to automatically adjust the temperature based on preprogrammed settings. This feature optimizes energy savings when the building is unoccupied. Most controls include a 5-2 option for separate weekday and weekend programs. In the winter, the indoor temperature is lowered once the last family member leaves the house. Energy is conserved throughout the day, and the temperature is gradually raised to the original setting in anticipation of the first arrival home. When used properly, programmable controls can save up to 10 percent on annual heating and cooling costs.
Give Your Thermostat a Helping Hand
Comfort and energy savings are affected by a variety of factors unrelated to your HVAC system. Structural deficiencies can cause dramatic temperature changes that will force you to modify the thermostat setting repeatedly. To compensate, consider these reasonable efficiency upgrades:
- Seal drafts
- Arrange for an energy audit
- Add insulation
- Install ceiling fans
- Control indoor humidity
Stay Comfortable Year Round
You can stay comfortable while maximizing the efficiency of your HVAC system. If you would like to learn more about programmable and smart controls that are most effective in Orlando area homes, call one of our friendly comfort specialists today at (407) 603-9144.
