Some like it hot and some like it cool during the winter. Would you like to put an end to the “thermostat war” during the cold months and agree on a setting that will be comfortable and energy efficient for your family? At Patterson Heating and Air, we have some tips that will help you set your thermostat at a temperature that will work at various times of the day and night for everyone in your family. By using optimal thermostat settings and having your furnace inspected, you will be prepared for the frigid winter temperatures while keeping a comfortable temperature indoors. Save money and energy by following some of these great tips, provided by the Department of Energy’s website, www.energy.gov:

“You can save money on your heating and cooling bills by simply resetting your thermostat when you are asleep or away from home. You can do this automatically without sacrificing comfort by installing an automatic setback or programmable thermostat.

Using a programmable thermostat, you can adjust the times you turn on the heating or air-conditioning according to a pre-set schedule. Programmable thermostats can store and repeat multiple daily settings (six or more temperature settings a day) that you can manually override without affecting the rest of the daily or weekly program.

General Thermostat Operation

You can easily save energy in the winter by setting the thermostat to 68°F while you’re awake and setting it lower while you’re asleep or away from home. By turning your thermostat back 10° to 15° for 8 hours, you can save 5% to 15% a year on your heating bill — a savings of as much as 1% for each degree if the setback period is eight hours long.”

Before you leave for your holiday trip to visit relatives, make sure to adjust your thermostat setting for the multiple days that you will be away from your home, keeping the temperature at a lower setting. If you want to return to a warmer indoor temperature, simply program the thermostat to be at a few degrees higher, beginning the morning of your return. On the days that you are in your home this winter season, set the thermostat for your Charlotte HVAC to a warmer temperature while you are awake and cooler when you are sleeping. This will make a significant difference on your annual heating bills and end the thermostat “wars” in your home. Did you know that the location also makes a difference to the performance of your thermostat?

“The location of your thermostat can affect its performance and efficiency. Read the manufacturer’s installation instructions to prevent “ghost readings” or unnecessary furnace or air conditioner cycling. To operate properly, a thermostat must be on an interior wall away from direct sunlight, drafts, doorways, skylights, and windows. It should be located where natural room air currents–warm air rising, cool air sinking–occur.”

As a top-rated Charlotte HVAC contractor, Patterson Heating and Air can help you determine the optimal location for your programmable thermostat, as well as provide furnace installations, tune-ups and repairs. Our certified and trained technicians will help energy efficiency with high quality furnace maintenance and installation services.

Stay comfortable and some money on heating bills this winter by selecting an ideal setting for your thermostat and having your HVAC in Charlotte inspected by a qualified professional. At Patterson Heating and Air, we hope you enjoy a warm and safe holiday season. For residential and commercial heating and cooling services in Charlotte, call (704) 288-4535.

(Source: Energy Saver Thermostats, https://www.energy.gov, November 6, 2014)