If we only had ourselves to rely on when keeping the temperature in our homes comfortable, we would have to continuously switch on and off and fiddle with our heater or air conditioners’ controls. Thankfully, the thermostat is here to get the job done for us! The thermostat plays an important role in your HVAC system. This handy device senses the temperature in the air, regulates your air conditioner and heater, and is responsible for providing a comfortable temperature inside the home at all times.
However, if your heating and cooling bills are too high, you could be using the thermostat the wrong way. To get the most out of this device in terms of both efficiency and comfort, you need to know the most common thermostat myths surrounding this device, as well as the best way to operate it.
Common Thermostat Myths
Here are four of the most common thermostat myths that need to be debunked:
Thermostat Myth #1: Using a programmable thermostat will automatically save you money.
Fact: Buying a programmable thermostat does not automatically translate to savings. Yes, a programmable thermostat can save you money, but only if you use it the right way. So, make sure that you program the thermostat properly according to your schedule and according to the season.
Thermostat Myth #2: Cranking the thermostat higher or lower will heat or cool the house faster.
Fact: Most homeowners who come home to a hot or cold house might be tempted to set the thermostat higher or lower than necessary to warm or cool their home faster. However, this is not the way your HVAC system works.
The process of heating or cooling your home happens at a set rate. Your air conditioner, furnace, or heat pump will work at the same speed and will put out the same amount of cool or hot air no matter what the thermostat setting is. So setting it absurdly low for a short time will just waste energy and leave you feeling cold.
Thermostat Myth #3: Placing the thermostat anywhere in the house will not affect its ability to function properly.
Fact: The thermostat’s immediate environment can hugely affect its readings, which in turn, can affect the performance of your HVAC system. Location is vital to a thermostat’s performance, and it should be placed in a central location, away from direct sunlight, drafty areas, and heat-generating appliances.
Thermostat Myth #4: Turning off the AC unit when you are away will save you money.
Fact: While there is some truth to this thermostat myth in the sense that you do not want to waste money cooling and heating an empty house, if you turn your system off completely, your air conditioner will actually need to work harder to turn a very hot or cold house into a comfortable one after you have arrived home from work. Therefore, the best thing to do is to use a programmable thermostat and use proper thermostat tips to set the temp up or down a few degrees throughout the day. Then just before you return, schedule it to adjust it back to your ideal temperature.
Learn More About Thermostat Myths from Our St. Louis HVAC Experts
Knowing the truth about thermostat myths allows you to use the device to its full potential, saving you time and money while ensuring your family’s comfort. If you are having trouble with your heating & air conditioning system or thermostat, contact us today at 314-993-1110 to schedule and HVAC maintenance or service appointment.
