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Comfort is on the Horizon

Still using a Manual Thermostat? Here’s why you Should Upgrade

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Still using a Manual Thermostat? Here’s why you Should Upgrade

It’s no secret that it can get very cold this time of year, and heating a Sterling Virginia home can get expensive if your furnace is constantly trying to keep up with your thermostat settings. If you want to enjoy lower energy bills for the remainder of our Northern Virginia winter, you may want to buy a programmable thermostat and follow these tips.

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How A Programmable Thermostat Works

In our busy lives, it’s easy to forget to turn the thermostat down when leaving the house or at bedtime. A programmable thermostat is a small initial investment but will remember to lower or increase the temperature based on times you program into it, helping to keep your home comfortable while saving on energy bills for years to come. For example, you may tell your thermostat to automatically:

  • Increase 3 degrees when you wake up.
  • Lower 8 degrees when you leave for work.
  • Increase 8 degrees when the kids get home from school.
  • Lower 3 degrees at bedtime.

Tips for Ideal Comfort and Energy Efficiency

  • 68 degrees is a good base thermostat setting for when everyone is home and awake. It doesn’t put a lot of stress on your furnace, and it’s a similar temperature to a mild spring or fall day.
  • According to Energy.gov, lowering your thermostat 10 degrees during an 8-hour workday will help reduce your energy bill 5 to 15 percent per year.
  • Consider lowering the thermostat several degrees at night while you sleep to save money. You may actually find this more comfortable to sleep in a cool environment, rather than getting so hot that you have to kick the covers off.

Installing a Programmable Thermostat

It’s best to install your thermostat away from doorways, vents, appliances, fireplaces, and windows that receive drafts or a lot of direct sunlight, as all of these can affect the room temperature perceived by the thermostat. An interior wall is always best for the most accurate readings. Your HVAC technician at Snell can give you the best recommendation for installation.

Snell Heating and Air Conditioning Can Recommend and Install Your Next Thermostat

Snell technicians can let you know if you’ll benefit from a programmable thermostat. If you have a heat pump, geothermal unit, or very low energy consumption in general, you may not see a large difference in energy bills, but we can discuss the best option for your home. Give us a call and we’ll be happy to help!

 

 

 

 

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