Frequently Asked Questions About Temperatures & Thermostats

It’s just turning October now, but that doesn’t mean it’s quite time to turn on the heat yet. There’s still a little bit of time left before it’s best to turn off the A/C and turn on your furnace.

Regardless, we’ve noticed that there are quite a lot of questions people ask about temperature and thermostats this time of the year, especially now that it’s almost time to make that shift from staying cool to staying warm. We figured we’d answer some of those questions to help you best understand how to save money and energy without giving up your sense of comfort. Let’s get started, shall we?

1. Is it better to keep the thermostat at a constant temperature?

No it’s not, actually! Leaving your thermostat at a temperature all the time, even when you’re not at home, is a waste of your time, energy, and money. It also creates more wear and tear to your HVAC systems over time, thus reducing the lifespan and increasing the risk of repair jobs needed.

You need to adjust your thermostat whenever the heat goes up in the summer or the temperature drops in the winter. The recommendations according to Energy Star are to set your temperature between 21 and 25 degrees Celsius (70 to 78 Fahrenheit). Energy Star also suggests that you turn your thermostat up by another 8 degrees when you leave your home. That way your HVAC systems will work at a lesser pace, thus reducing your heating or cooling costs.

2. Is it cheaper to leave the heat on low all day?

This is another myth! In fact the only way you can save money via heating is to literally only heat up your home when you need it. Using a timer is the best solution, because the thermostat on your HVAC systems is designed to turn the heating on and off. That way it can keep your home at the temperature you set it at.

It’s certain that you leak energy out of your home constantly—although how much will depend on how good your home’s insulation is. Therefore, if you keep the heating on low all day, you lose energy all day too. That’s why it’s really for the best you don’t leave the heat on all day long.

3. How much money can you save by changing the thermostat?

The amount of money you can save depends on several other factors, such as how old or new your HVAC systems are, how well-insulated your home is, how many people live in your home (i.e. you live by yourself or you have a family or roommate), and the current status of your thermostat. Obviously if your HVAC is getting on in its age it can cost you more, while newer models are more energy efficient and can reduce costs tremendously.

How much you save will really depend on where you live, your current lifestyle, and the state of your home’s insulation. To reduce costs, look into any potential areas where heat or cold air can leak out and get any issues, such as drafty doorways or windows, resolved.

4. Should I turn the heat off at night?

It’s actually for the best to turn your heat down before you go to bed, as opposed to off entirely. Turning your heat off altogether can make your nights restless and uncomfortable. Your home may also cool down so much when the heat is off that heating it back up when you wake up will waste more energy.

For an ideal temperature when it’s time to go to sleep, it’s recommended to set your thermostat between 17 and 19 degrees Celsius (62 to 69 degrees Fahrenheit). This will ensure you stay cozy while getting some good rest.

5. How do I keep my home warm or cool without changing the thermostat?

You can stay warm or cool even when the temperature is at either extremity by doing the following things:

• Seal all drafty areas in your home before the temperature really drops. The most likely places to find these drafts are in doorways and windowpanes.
• Keep vents and doors closed in any unused rooms. This will make it easier for your furnace or air conditioner to deliver your desired temperatures to the rooms you spend time in the most.
• Add some layers to your clothes in fall, and remove them in spring. Those are the two seasons when the temperature shifts and you need to dress warmly or cool, even in your own home.
• If your home has ceiling fans, you can use them to keep the air cool or warm in either season. They can speed up the ventilation process and redistribute the hot or cold air you want to regulate throughout your regularly occupied rooms.
• Schedule an annual HVAC inspection and maintenance. Now is one of the best times of the year to do so, because the summer rush is over and it’s not yet time for winter. Likewise, spring is when the winter rush is over for furnace maintenance.

Got any more questions about the temperature and thermostats? Is it time to get your HVAC inspected and maintained? Give our professional technicians a call. We’re happy to answer any other questions you may have! At Rep-Air Heating And Cooling we provide our customers with many options that will best suit your needs from heating and cooling to refrigeration. Contact us today for your complimentary quote: 1-778-728-1476 or contact@repairheatingandcooling.com and don’t forget to take a look at our website: https://repairheatingandcooling.com. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for free giveaways!