The Department of Energy (DOE) recommends a programmable thermostat for all U.S. households, as it can help the average homeowner lower annual energy costs by up to 10%. Scheduling AC maintenance every spring is essential to maximizing those savings. The AC system itself needs service, including cleaning the evaporator and condenser coils. Technicians will also clean the thermostat, calibrate it, and, if necessary, update the firmware. Let’s explore how a well-serviced AC and smart thermostat will work together to save you money.
The DOE estimate requires lowering your cooling by 7 to 10 degrees for at least 8 hours a day. That target is typically easy to achieve for most households overnight or while at work or school. With a smart thermostat, you don’t have to adjust the temperature manually. Through a schedule you set, your thermostat can, for instance, raise the temperature 30 minutes after your bedtime and lower it again 30 minutes before you wake.
Profiles encapsulate unique schedules for even greater convenience and flexibility. You could, for example, have one profile for weekdays and another for weekends. Modes change the behavior of the system, and most setups include heating, cooling, and automatic modes. Many also have a vacation mode that can help you save when away from home for extended periods.
The fundamental difference between a smart and programmable thermostat is Wi-Fi capabilities. You can control a smart thermostat from the couch or your office at work. Perhaps you’ve forgotten to put the system in vacation mode and are already on route to the airport. That’s not a problem since you can activate it from your phone.
It’s a good idea to track your electricity usage month to month and year to year. Spikes in electricity consumption are often the first sign of an AC problem. While you can do this by hand, many smart thermostats will do it for you. If you notice a spike, you know to call an HVAC provider to perform diagnostics. Energy monitoring thermostats also provide reports that reveal when you’re being efficient and when you’re not.
Many utilities now charge higher rates to reduce demand on the grid during peak periods. If your utility offers a demand response program, you can save with a compatible smart thermostat. Even if it doesn’t, a rate-aware thermostat can adjust automatically during peak periods to lower your costs.
You may not have a work schedule that lets you benefit from strict programming. An alternative is an occupancy sensing thermostat. These advanced thermostats have one setting for when you’re home and another for when you’re not, and they can track you via your phone.
If you don’t have a smart thermostat, consider getting one. Contact Crocker Refrigeration Heating and Air to learn more about upgrading to a smart thermostat in Santa Barbara, CA.
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