With the mounting costs of day to day life, you want to make sure that you are getting the most out of your money, and that you aren’t throwing any of it away for no good reason. There’s no reason these principles shouldn’t extend to how you heat and cool your home. Here are some of our tips on how to save money by getting the most out of your thermostat.
- Adapt to the weather.
One small way in which everybody can use their thermostat to reduce their energy costs is to learn to adapt more effectively to the weather. When it’s getting hotter outside, turn your thermostat up a few degrees. This won’t be enough for you notice but it will be enough to knock a couple of per cent off your bills. The same advice goes for winter, where keeping the thermostat set a few degrees below your usual preference will again save you money. This practice has the added bonus of keeping your HVAC system running under less pressure, thus potentially keeping them in better condition for longer.
- Choose the location of your thermostat carefully
Did you know that the location of your thermostat can affect how efficiently it performs? Make sure that your thermostat is positioned in a clear space away from direct sunlight, windows and drafts, and it should be placed on an interior wall. Your thermostat will work best in a room where natural room air currents occur. By ensuring you place your thermostat effectively, you reduce the risk of a false reading and ensure that your thermostat is working as efficiently as possible.
- Invest in a programmable thermostat
If you don’t currently have a programmable thermostat, or you do and it is permanently set on ‘hold,’ then you could be wasting money on your energy bills. If you invest in a programmable thermostat – they are available for very competitive prices these days – and take the time to programme it properly, studies have shown that you can save almost 7% off your annual heating bill.
- Or even a smart thermostat
Smart thermostats represent a much bigger initial investment than programmable versions, with prices ranging up to $250, but this increase in initial price is reflective of the increase in potential annual savings on your energy bills. The higher end smart thermostats, such as the market leading Nest model, track and learn your habits and adapt accordingly and monitor numerous external factors – such as humidity and ambient light – to fine tune their settings. Studies showed that Nest thermostats can save you as much as 12% on heating and 15% on cooling. Smart thermostats may be a much larger investment, but they can certainly prove to be worth it.
Why not call C. W. Schultz & Son today to discuss the best heating and cooling systems for you and how you can get the most out of them to save you money!