Is a smart thermostat controlling the HVAC system in your Stafford, Virginia, home? If so, you have access to a number of appealing benefits. Smart thermostats can help you reduce energy waste while enjoying a more comfortable atmosphere. They also allow you to control your HVAC system from anywhere. Follow these tips to maximize the settings when you’re not getting the most out of your smart thermostat:
Start by Setting a Schedule
The first thing to do when you connect a smart thermostat is to set a weekly schedule. Set a comfortable temperature based on the season for when your family is typically at home. Program the temperature to rise in the summer and drop in the winter when you’re away or asleep to conserve energy. Although a smart thermostat can track your habits and make automatic adjustments, it needs a starting point to know your ideal comfort level and typical schedule. After it has learned your usual behavior and habits, you won’t have to adjust it again.
Stay Away From Manual Mode
If you’re in the habit of making manual adjustments to the thermostat, it’s time to stop. When you’re constantly altering the indoor temperature, the smart thermostat can’t do its job. The HVAC system has to cycle on and off more frequently, which uses more energy. Manually changing the thermostat usually means the schedule you’ve set isn’t providing a comfortable temperature. Therefore, you should adjust that schedule instead.
Enable Away Features
Many smart thermostats have built-in features that can sense motion and determine when people are away or at home. Make sure you have this feature enabled to maximize energy savings. When people leave the house and the thermostat senses no motion, it can automatically adjust the temperature settings to reduce waste. You can also review reports on energy usage and compare month-over-month or even by week.
Do you want to make the most of your HVAC system’s smart thermostat? Brennan’s Heating & Air Conditioning can help. Call us at 703-783-0145 to learn more or to purchase a new smart thermostat.
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