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.
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.
The AUTO setting on your thermostat is recommended most of the time. 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.
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.
While the ideal temperature setting is based on your personal preferences, there is a general range that HVAC professionals recommend. Generally, it is good to keep the thermostat settings at 68 degrees Fahrenheit during the winter season. During the summer season, the best temperature setting is between 75 and 78 degrees Fahrenheit. If the two settings do not keep you comfortable, consider adjusting them a degree at a time until you hit a temperature that suits your household needs. When you are away, consider setting the thermostat to be a bit lower or higher.
Contact the Experts
Understanding the different thermostat settings will help you in maximizing your HVAC system’s efficiency. At Central Air Heating & Cooling, 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 today.