Thermostats are a vital part of any HVAC system, yet they can often be misunderstood. As a homeowner in Easton, PA, you should understand how your thermostat works in order to keep your home comfortable and your energy bills low. Here are some common myths about thermostats and the truth behind them.
Myth: Set It and Forget It
The biggest myth about thermostats is that you can set them and forget them. This isn’t true because your thermostat needs regular adjustment to keep your home comfortable and your energy bills low. The best way to do this is to check your thermostat regularly and ensure it is set to the correct temperature.
Myth: The Higher the Temperature, the Faster Your Home Will Heat up and Vice Versa
Another common myth about thermostats is that the higher the temperature, the faster your home will heat up. This may seem to make sense, but it simply isn’t true. Setting your thermostat to a higher temperature will take longer to heat your home.
Also, setting your thermostat to a lower temperature will take longer to cool down your home. The higher or lower the temperature, the more energy your furnace has to use to reach that temperature setting.
Myth: You Should Turn Off Your AC When You’re Not Home
This is a common misconception because people think they’re saving energy by turning off their air conditioner when they’re not home. However, this can lead to higher energy bills. When you turn it back on, an air conditioning unit will have to work longer to cool down your home.
So, the next time you’re not home, leave your air conditioner on and set the temperature to a few degree from your comfort level. This will save you money in the long run.
Myth: Thermostats Are Complex
Thermostats are very simple devices. The most important thing to understand about your thermostat is how it works. Once you know how it works, you can easily adjust it to keep your home comfortable and your energy bills low.
You can get all the information on how the thermostat works from the manual guide that comes with it. If you still have questions, contact the manufacturer or a local HVAC contractor for help.
Myth: The Location of Your Thermostat Doesn’t Matter
The environmental factors that affect thermostat performance can change the efficiency of your air conditioning and heating system. If the thermostat is in a sunny spot, it will overcompensate for the heat and cause your air conditioner to work harder than necessary.
The best place for your thermostat is in a location where it can get an accurate reading of the temperature in your home. You don’t have to use a single thermostat to control the temperature of different zones. Use multiple thermostats, so you control each zone independently.
Myth: You Don’t Need Multiple Thermostats for a Home
Thinking that you don’t need multiple thermostats for a home is one of the biggest myths. The truth is that you might save money by using multiple thermostats.
For example, if you have a large home, you can set different temperatures in different areas. This ensures you’re not wasting energy by cooling or heating areas that are not in use.
Additionally, if your traditional thermostat can’t support temperature sensors, you must install multiple thermostats to serve each home zone. You can also use multiple programmable thermostats to centralize the temperature management of your home.
Myth: Adjusting the Thermostat Setting by One Degree Does Not Affect Power Consumption
Each temperature adjustment affects how much power you consume. When you increase the temperature by one degree, it may not seem like a big difference to you, but it is.
For every degree you increase the temperature, you use about 3% more energy consumption. This means if you set your thermostat at 75 degrees instead of 72, you are using 9% more energy to heat your home.
Understanding the truth behind these myths can help you manage your thermostat more efficiently and save money on your energy bills. If you have any questions about air conditioning maintenance or want to learn more about optimizing thermostat performance, contact Sullivan Oil & Propane today. We offer a wide range of HVAC services, including thermostat repair and installation services.
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