Tag: thermostat

Save the Air Conditioner When No One Is Home

When homeowners leave their house for a short period (like a work day) or a longer period (like a vacation), they spend money to cool an empty house. Obviously, this is not a complete waste because the home is comfortable when the household members return. 

Why 78 Degrees Fahrenheit Is the Magic Number for Thermostats

If someone leaves their home for some time, it is best to set the thermostat to 78 degrees for the greatest home comfort. This uses less energy but still maintains a fairly reasonable temperature. It is then much easier for the house to return to a lower temperature when the thermostat has been set to 78 instead of a higher setting or completely turning the unit off. There is evidence that this sort of behavior can increase energy usage.

Don’t Raise the Temperature Too Much

A homeowner may think they are saving energy by turning their air conditioner off during the day or changing the thermostat to a very high temperature. This is an unfortunate misconception. The temperature fluctuation that comes with this pattern of behavior will result in the following:

• Extra wear and tear on the cooling system from turning off and on
• Higher energy cost from the unit working extra hard to lower the temperature
• A reduction in the amount of time the home is comfortable

A homeowner doesn’t want their unit to overheat or start short cycling due to these extreme temperature fluctuations. Having emergency air conditioning repaired in the middle of the summer is a nightmare that no one wants to deal with. This is part of the reason professionals advise homeowners to keep their homes around 78 degrees when they are away.

Invest in a Smart Thermostat

Installing a smart thermostat is one of the easiest ways to save energy on home heating and cooling. These units are equipped with programming to learn a household’s schedule and adjust the temperature accordingly. There are also programming options that allow the homeowner to set the schedule. Of course, because it is a “smart” appliance, it can be operated remotely from an app on a smartphone. Some other amenities that may be included with a smart thermostat are listed below.

• Voice Control: Some thermostats can be controlled through voice commands or connected to a virtual assistant like Siri or Alexa.
• Speakers: Some come with smart speakers that can play music and keep the house comfortable. This creates a truly welcoming home.
• Geo-Fencing: This feature allows the thermostat to track a homeowner via their phone and begin adjusting the temperature to whatever is preferred before they arrive home.
• Compatible: These smart thermostats are compatible with most HVAC systems, but it may be best to consult a professional before purchasing.

About 360 Air Tech

Don’t waste time and energy when the repair can be done right with 100% satisfaction guaranteed by the professionals at 360 Air Tech. Call today for on-time arrival for AC services in Williamsburg, VA, and the surrounding areas.

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