How to Use Your Programmable Thermostat to Its Full Potential
Erin M • October 21, 2020
The Best Way to Set Your Programmable Thermostat in Winter
Installing a programmable thermostat in your home can save you money on your energy bill without sacrificing your family's comfort.
Heating your home using a programmable thermostat allows you to adjust the times you turn on the heat according to a pre-set schedule. These 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.
A common misconception associated with thermostats is that a furnace works harder than normal to warm the space back to a comfortable temperature after the thermostat has been set back, resulting in little or no savings.
In fact, as soon as your house drops below its normal temperature, it will lose energy to the surrounding environment more slowly. The lower the interior temperature, the slower the heat loss. So the longer your house remains at the lower temperature, the more energy you save, because your house has lost less energy than it would have at the higher temperature.
Programmable thermostats can trim about $180 a year from your energy bill by automatically reducing your heating when you need it least.
But do you know the best settings for winter?
Industry experts recommend the following temperatures when working away from home:
6 a.m. to 9 a.m. 68 degrees
9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. 60 degrees
5:30 to 11 p.m. 68 degrees
11 p.m. to 6 a.m. 60 degrees
The nighttime recommendation may seem a little chilly, but you can adjust according to what’s comfortable for you. However, research has shown that cooler temperatures ( mid-60s vs upper-60s/low-70s ) promote better sleep, and may even increase your metabolism.
If you are going to be away from home for a few days, they also recommend setting the thermostat to 55 degrees.
A Rescue Rooter knows you want solutions to your temperature control issues. You don't have to suffer having your thermostat in an inconvenient location. We offer a wide range of solutions to let you customize your home. Call us today and learn more.
Tip: Don’t shut down your furnace until you’re 100 percent sure that warm temperatures are here to stay!
Whether it’s your water heater or any plumbing issue, A Rescue Rooter has your back!
More than likely, you’re not plumbing expert, so there is a good chance you’ve got questions.
Some plumbing repairs you can take care of on your own....some, you can't....
Winter is coming. Is your plumbing and your HVAC system ready? There are few things you can do now before the temperatures drop and the snow flies. The experts at A Rescue Rooter Plumbing will assist you in taking care of your plumbing and HVAC needs this time of year. You should check the insulation around pipes. Especially those that are on outside walls. Having to deal with frozen pipes would be awful. Perhaps have the professionals at A Rescue Rooter check your pipes inside and outside. This is also a good time to have your water heater checked. There a couple of little things you can take care of yourself in your HVAC system. Check and change the filter in your furnace. Some have suggested to have a look at the filter on a monthly basis and if it looks good, it doesn’t need to be changed. The fall is a good time to stock up on furnace filters before there’s a run on them in the winter. Before you turn on the furnace, remove anything stored close by. When you know for sure that you won’t use the air conditioner, it’s time to cover the outside unit and clear out any weeds and debris around it. The technician that does your furnace winter inspection should do a complete check of your HVAC system. This will include checking the vents, heat exchange, making sure the furnace ignites properly, making sure all moving parts work, checking the belts and more. The experts at A Rescue Rooter will make sure your HVAC system is prepared for winter. If you have an oil or gas furnace, there are few additional checks to be added to the list. Make the time to have your HVAC system checked long before the furnace is turned on. A routine check and maintenance will take care of any small issues before they become large ones that are costly. Your A Rescue Rooter expert will identify and look after any issues and will sure your furnace will run efficiently and safely. A professional furnace inspection is very beneficial to your peace of mind and comfort. Call A Rescue Rooter Plumbing to make sure you are ready for winter. They are insured and their parts and labour carry a one-year warranty. You can trust them for all your plumbing and HVAC needs. They serve Hamilton and beyond and have a large team of experts at the ready. Call them at (905) 521-8284. Winter is coming!
What is an HVAC system? The initials HVAC stand for heating, ventilation and air conditioning. You’d be correct if you thought HVAC was about your furnace and cooling system, but this is the proper definition. HVAC systems are everywhere you go and the reason you are comfortable when inside a building. The correct installation and subsequent maintenance so important for your comfort. The staff at A Rescue Rooter can cover your installation and maintenance needs. You should really know the basics of an HVAC system and how it works. • There’s the Air Return -this is the starting point of the ventilation cycle -it sucks in the air, draws through a filter • Filter -this is second part of the air return which the air is drawn through • Exhaust Outlets -where the exhaust is created by the heating system is expelled • Ducts -where the heated or cooled air passes through • Electrical Elements -the electric wiring in the system that includes the thermostat wiring • Outdoor Unit -provides the air flow, contains the fan • Coils -part of the outdoor unit • Compressor -part of the outdoor unit, converts refrigerant from gas to liquid • Blower -draws warm air through the main section of the unit Wow! There are a lot of parts to an HVAC System. The above listed elements need regular maintenanceand will part of the trouble shooting if things go wrong. A Rescue Rooter will more than happy to explain things to you. You should also know that there is a difference between HVAC and Air Conditioning. The confusion between the two is common because Air Conditioning is part of the initials in HVAC. Air conditioning is part of the HVAC system. People will often interchange HVAC and air conditioning. The staff and technicians at A Rescue Rooter are very knowledgeable where your HVAC system is concerned. They can look after you at your home or your business. They have the team of technicians that will be there you. You may want to interview a few companies to perform regular maintenance to your system to make it last longer and perform properly. This will also be who you call in an emergency situation. A Rescue Rooter can look after your HVAC and plumbing needs. They are your experienced, one stop solution and are available 24/7 to assist you. Because they have been in business for four generations, they have a stellar reputation. Now that you know the common terms associated with an HVAC system you can feel good that the experts A Rescue Rooter will be in your corner to also help you and answer your questions. A Rescue Rooter can also do your HVAC installation for your home and business. You can find them by telephone at (905) 521-8284 or online.
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