How To Set Your Thermostat in the Fall for Maximum Efficiency

With summer fading, many people are ready to embrace the cooler weather. But with it comes a new set of challenges: making sure your home is ready for the dropping temperatures and increased usage. Luckily, there are a number of simple ways to keep your home warm and comfortable this fall without breaking the bank or sacrificing comfort.



Set Your Thermostat With an HVAC Contractor

An HVAC contractor can help you set your thermostat to a comfortable 68 degrees, as it's a good median temperature to adjust to the fluctuating temperatures of fall. For most people, this is the temperature that feels most comfortable and allows them to maintain their internal temperature while they’re at home. If you are going to be away for a long time, set your system a bit lower so that you don't run your furnace and pay for heat when no one's around.

Program Your Thermostat at Bedtime

One of the most effective ways to lower your energy bill is to lower your thermostat at night. When you go to bed, you're not using as much energy and therefore don't need as much heating or cooling. By lowering the temperature at night, you'll sleep better and save money on your utility bill.

Lowering the temperature at night can save you lots of money in energy consumption. It's wise to set an early evening schedule for when each room should reach its lowest temperature every day. You can then gradually increase that amount over time until it matches its maximum listed in your manual or as advised by an HVAC contractor.

Invest in a Smart Thermostat

These little devices are often less expensive than you'd think and can save you money on your energy bill by automatically adjusting the temperature in your home based on factors like temperature or humidity. You can also use them to program certain times of day when you want your heating or cooling system to kick in so that it's only working when needed.

Take Care of Furnace Maintenance and Filters

When you start using your heat more, you need to be sure you're taking staying on top of furnace maintenance, and tending your filters. If you’re looking for a more efficient alternative to standard filters in your heating system, electrostatic filters are the way to go. While they can be more expensive than other options, they’re also much more effective at trapping particles and contaminants in your home. Electrostatic filters work by attracting dust particles by creating an electrical charge between two metal plates.

There are some really unique features of electrostatic air cleaners that help them stand out from other kinds of air cleaners, too. For instance, they don't use any chemicals or sprays so there's no risk of contamination when it comes time for cleaning out the collected debris from inside the unit itself. All you need is some water mixed with vinegar which will dissolve away any remaining dirt particles left behind after running your vacuum through the system.

Think About Installing a Whole-house Humidifier

When you start adjusting your heat, you may notice a change in the air quality of your home. A whole-house humidifier can aid this issue by adding moisture to your air. This works by pushing water through a bypass valve and into your ductwork, where it travels throughout the house and out into the air. This can be done either with an automatic system or manually by filling up a bucket of water and pouring it into the unit from time to time. Because this type of humidifier adds moisture directly to your living space, it’s generally considered much safer than steam or ultrasonic models, which heat up the water in order to create misty droplets.

However, there are some downsides: some people find that humidifiers leave their homes feeling too muggy even in the fall, especially if they set them at higher levels than they need. It also requires more maintenance than other types of systems, so owners should be prepared to consult with an experienced HVAC company if they are considering going this route.

Talk To an HVAC Contractor Today

Setting your thermostat in the fall can be a challenge, but using these tips and consulting with a professional HVAC contractor will help. For assistance with all of your heating and cooling needs through the fall and the rest of the year, contact Next Level HVAC today.

Sources:

https://www.consumerreports.org/central-air-conditioners/best-setting-for-central-air-conditioning-a1889096483/

https://www.hgtv.com/design/remodel/mechanical-systems/controlling-temperature-and-humidity

https://www.homedepot.com/c/ah/how-to-program-a-thermostat/9ba683603be9fa5395fab90cc28b782

https://www.landlordthermostats.com/whats-the-ideal-thermostat-setting-for-the-fall-months/