Is it Better to Use a Programmable Thermostat or Turn My Air Conditioning Off?

It 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.

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