Thermostat Settings: Can You Save Energy and Stay Comfortably Cool at the Same Time?

Smart Thermostat Benefits for Families

Many families in California care about the environment and support green solutions, such as reducing electricity usage and not wasting water. At the same time, when summer temperatures are sweltering, air conditioning feels amazing. Is it possible to enjoy cool air and still lower your energy bill? With the help of an HVAC contractor in Santa Rosa, absolutely.



Discover Energy-Efficient Upgrades in Santa Rosa

The type of heating and air-conditioning system you have plays a big role in how much electricity your home uses. In the average home, the HVAC unit uses the most energy every month, followed by your water heater, washing machine, lighting, refrigerator, and electronic devices.

Making changes to your HVAC system can have a significant impact on your family’s energy usage. There are several ways to make eco-friendly HVAC upgrades.

New HVAC Systems

If you’ve had your current air conditioner or central air unit for more than 10 years, it’s probably time for a new model. Newer HVAC systems are designed with energy-efficient features, such as variable-speed controls. This type of system can adapt gradually as the temperature in your house changes throughout the day, running at a low speed for all-day comfort instead of constantly turning off and on at 100% speed.

Smart Thermostats

State-of-the-art thermostats use the power of technology to make more precise climate control adjustments. These systems have sensors that accurately detect the current temperature in your home and outside. Special software then calculates the optimal HVAC settings to reach your desired temperature while using the least amount of energy possible.

Zone Heating and Cooling

Another way an HVAC contractor in Santa Rosa can improve your home’s climate control and energy usage is by installing a multi-zone air-conditioning system. Also known as mini-splits, these smaller units can be positioned in different areas of the house. You can control each unit independently.

The beauty of this solution is that it lets you crank up the AC when you need it without wasting energy. You mainly focus on cooling the room you’re in at the time — such as your bedroom or home office — while leaving the other areas set to room temperature.

Take Good Care of Your HVAC System

Did you know that clogged filters and damaged parts make your HVAC system use more electricity? When there's a problem, the system has to work harder to reach the desired temperature. On the other hand, scheduling preventative maintenance for the air conditioner is a good way to save energy.

Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat ASAP

Any family can benefit by replacing older thermostats with smart thermostats. The energy savings are amazing. Households in the U.S. save almost 10% on their electricity bill every year just with this one upgrade. In California's sunny Bay Area, the savings may be even higher.

Smart thermostats are also valuable because they improve overall home comfort with high-tech features.

Programmable Temperature Settings

For tech-savvy users, this feature is one of the best ways to save electricity on both heating and cooling all year. It involves creating custom climate profiles for your HVAC settings.

Here's what a program could look like around Santa Rosa:

• 6 am to 8 am: 78 degrees Fahrenheit
• 8 am to 4 pm: (at home): 72 to 78 degrees
• 8 am to 4 pm: (at the office): 85 degrees or HVAC shut off
• 4 pm to 10 pm: 78 to 82 degrees
• 10 pm to 6 am: 82 to 85 degrees

The idea is for the AC to run more during the hotter parts of the day and less as the cool evening breeze rolls around.

Smart Profiles and Sensors

Many newer smart thermostats make climate control automation even easier, creating profiles for your family automatically. For example, the system may understand your daily habits, such as the approximate time you leave for work in the morning and come home at night.

By feeding this information to your HVAC, the thermostat can lower energy usage while you’re away, perhaps turning the unit off entirely. About 30 minutes before you’re set to return home, the HVAC turns on again, so by the time you walk through the door, cool air is ready to greet you. Your house feels like the air conditioner has been running all day, but it’s only used energy for 30 to 45 minutes.

App Controls

Usually, smart thermostats also let you control temperature settings from your smartphone via an app. You can adjust the system from your office, at the store, or away on vacation. You don’t waste energy when the HVAC doesn’t need to be on, but if you’re tired and sweating after a long trip, you can come home to perfect comfort.

Talk With an HVAC Contractor About Smart Thermostat Options in Santa Rosa

At Next Level HVAC, we’re friendly and knowledgeable. Our team can help you choose a smart thermostat setup that matches your lifestyle and budget. One of our HVAC contractors in Santa Rosa can perform installation quickly and professionally. For more information on the process, contact us at (707) 228-9921.