Is it Better to Use a Programmable Thermostat or Turn My Air Conditioning Off?
by David Gray Heating and AirIt
has become a question of many that wonder whether to turn off their thermostat
or leave it at a constant temperature. A lot of people are just never concerned
with their thermostat, set it to one temperature and forget all about it.
Conflicts will usually arise because one person may think the temperature is
too cold and another will think it is too hot. This usually results in people
either changing the temperature or compensate by changing the way they dress.
Due to the problem of greenhouse gas production, home and business owners
should pay much more attention to the efficiency of their HVAC systems because
this will not only reduce the production of greenhouse gas, but also save
money.
Nearly
42 percent of the energy a home uses is due to heating and cooling cost, as
stated by the Energy Information Administration. Business and homeowners who
are prudent always make sure they do all they can to reduce their energy usage
and wonder whether it is best to turn off their HVAC system or leave it at a set
temperature when away. Actually, the most efficient way to go is a third way
that entails using a programmable thermostat, but if you do not have one, the
next most efficient way is to simply turn the thermostat off when gone.
Turn it Off
Some
people may think it counterproductive to turn your HVAC system off when they
are not at home, but the fact is that it really helps the system work more
efficiently, thereby saving you money. Any HVAC system will operate at its best
when it is allowed to run at full capacity rather than being made to turn on
and off in order to keep a building at the same temperature whether the
occupants are there or not. It is better for the system if you turn it off
while away and then when you come home; let the system cool down the home from
a high temperature to 72 degrees.
According
to the ACEEE, or the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy, who
estimates an AC will use between 3 and 5 percent less energy per each degree
you raise the thermostat. They recommend people to set the thermostat at 78
degrees at least upon leaving. They also recommend people to set the thermostat
to 68 degrees in the winter and just dress warmer, or in the summer, dress
cooler. This method will save a huge amount on heating and cooling cost.
Benefits of a Programmable
Thermostat
If
you want the best control over your heating and cooling, get a programmable
thermostat. This gives you the ability to set the temperature to a lower
setting during times when you are at home and at a higher setting when you are
away. This thermostat can be adjusted to keep the home cooler at night in the
winter when you are snug in your bed and then up the temperature in the morning
when you get up.
So
you can make sure a programmable thermostat will with your equipment, have a
HVAC technician check to see if it will work with both the air and the heating.
This is because there are some programmable thermostats that will not work well
with some heat pumps, which will cause you problems in the winter. But, setting
temperatures and thermostats are but one of the things you should do to become
more efficient in cooling and heating your home. You should also consider
having your business or home equipped with weather stripping. This will ensure
your heat will not escape during the winter and your air conditioning will not
escape during the summer.
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Created on Dec 31st 1969 18:00. Viewed 0 times.