At its core, your HVAC thermostat is simply the device that controls how your heating and cooling systems operate. These devices are able to detect your indoor temperatures and send signals to the HVAC unit in order to keep your home’s temperature at a specific setpoint. Depending on what type of thermostat you have, there are a number of settings that you may want to be familiar with. Here are the different thermostat settings and how they balance efficiency and comfort.
How to Set a Thermostat
Setting your thermostat correctly is key to maintaining comfort and energy efficiency in your home. Whether you’re heating or cooling your space, a well-adjusted thermostat helps keep your indoor space at the perfect temperature without wasting energy.
Here’s a simple guide to setting your thermostat effectively.
- Turn on your thermostat and check the display.
- Adjust the temperature using the up/down arrows or dial.
- Select the desired mode (heat, cool, or auto).
- Set the temperature to your comfort level.
- Use the programmable settings or timers to optimize energy use.
On and Auto Mode
The thermostat has an “On” and “Auto” mode setting for the fans inside your HVAC unit. When the fan setting is in On mode, it will constantly run and condition your home or office with either cool or warm air. This means that even if it gets too cold or too hot, the AC will keep on running 24/7. While using the On setting can be good for circulating air in your home, it is not the most efficient way to run your HVAC system.
We recommend the following as the best thermostat settings:
- During warmer months: Set your thermostat to 78°F when you’re home. If you’re leaving the house, raise it to 86°F to save energy.
- During colder months: Keep your thermostat at 68°F while you’re home and awake. Lower it to 65°F when sleeping and down to 60°F when you’re away.
The AUTO setting on your thermostat is recommended most of the time, especially in spring and fall. This setting triggers your system to turn on and off automatically to keep your home at a set temperature. Using the AUTO setting is the most energy-efficient way to run your HVAC system. It is also a very straightforward way to control your home’s environment; simply set the thermostat at the temperature you want, and walk away. Even better, if you have a programmable thermostat, you can set different temperatures for different times of day and different days of the week.
Need help upgrading your thermostat or optimizing your furnace settings? Call us today at 971-435-7303 to schedule expert thermostat installation and keep your home efficient all year long.
Cool and Heat Mode
These modes are fairly self-explanatory. If you want to cool your home, turn on the “Cool” setting to trigger your AC to turn on. When you flip the thermostat to “Heat,” it will kick your furnace on. One thing to note about these two settings is that they can occasionally get switched on accidentally, which will affect how your system functions. If you’re furnace or AC is not keeping your set temperature, you may want to check these settings to see if they are the culprit.
Home and Away Mode
The modern programmable thermostats have a setting that enables you to customize how you operate your system. Some of the most advanced “smart” thermostats can even detect if your home or away and then automatically switch the system to operate according to a pre-set program. They do this via a feature known as “geofencing,” which tracks a homeowner’s location using the GPS on his or her cellphone. In addition to making it effortless to heat or cool your home, these thermostats can help you significantly cut down on your energy usage.
Temperature Setting
The temperature setting on your thermostat is perhaps its most important. As mentioned, when your thermostat is in AUTO mode, the HVAC system will turn on and off automatically to keep the temperature at the desired level. It’s important to choose a temperature setting at a level that balances your comfort with energy use. Changes in the home temperature by even just a few degrees toward either direction can impact how much you spend on energy costs.
It’s generally recommended to set your thermostat to a temperature that feels comfortable for your household; however, HVAC professionals suggest the following settings for optimal comfort and energy efficiency:
- In winter: Set your thermostat to 68 degrees Fahrenheit while you’re home.
- In summer: Aim for a setting between 75 degrees Fahrenheit and 78 degrees Fahrenheit.
- When away: Adjust the thermostat a few degrees higher in summer or lower in winter to conserve energy.
By using the right thermostat setting for every season, you can stay comfortable while keeping energy bills under control. Small daily changes—like adjusting the air conditioner thermostat setting before bed or when leaving home—can lead to big savings.
Contact the Experts
Understanding the different thermostat settings will help you in maximizing your HVAC system’s efficiency. At Central Air Heating, Cooling & Plumbing, we try our best to make your AC as efficient as possible. We have an expert team that can perform tune-ups and repairs on your furnace and AC so they can run efficiently. This also enables your system to operate for a long time without breaking down. If you want to replace or install a new system, consider contacting us. Our main aim is to be your trusted HVAC company in Clackamas and the surrounding communities
We have a team of NATE-certified technicians who guarantee you 100% satisfaction. In addition to heating and cooling services, our team provides smart home systems. To learn more about how we can serve you, contact us at Central Air Heating, Cooling & Plumbing today.
