Your thermostat is the easiest part of your heating and cooling system to adjust. A good schedule keeps you comfortable when you are home and saves energy when you are not.
Simple settings to start with
- Winter: the U.S. Department of Energy suggests around 68°F (20°C) while you are awake and home, and lower while you sleep or are away.
- Summer: around 78°F (26°C) while you are home, and warmer while you are away.
- Small steps: change the setting a few degrees at a time and see what feels comfortable for your family.
Use a schedule
A programmable or smart thermostat can change the temperature for you: cooler at night in winter, warmer while everyone is at work or school in summer, and back to normal shortly before you get home.
Common mistakes
- Turning the thermostat far up or down does not heat or cool the house faster. Most systems run at the same speed whatever the setting.
- Placing the thermostat in direct sun, near a lamp or next to a draughty door gives false readings.
- Forgetting to switch between heat and cool, or leaving the fan on instead of auto, can waste energy.
Thinking about a smart thermostat? Check that it works with your system, especially if you have a heat pump or more than one stage of heating. Our technicians can install and set it up with you.