Setting the desired temperatures on the thermostat controls when the HVAC system starts or completes a cycle. But there are mistakes you can make with your thermostat in Dover, DE, that can reduce its efficiency.
1. Improper Thermostat Location
Thermostats sense the temperature of the room they are in and signal your air conditioner accordingly. It is vital to choose where to install the device for accurate readings. This should be in one of the rooms you frequently use, such as the living room.
Avoid exterior walls because they are directly exposed to outdoor temperatures. Also, ensure the thermostat is about five feet from the ground level for more accurate reading. Heated air rises, and if the thermostat is very high on the wall, it will trigger your cooling system to work harder than it should.
During installation, the technician should avoid areas with high temperatures. For instance, the kitchen and walls that are directly exposed to sunlight may have higher temperatures than the rest of the house. The technician should also avoid placing the thermostat near electric appliances that generate heat.
2. Setting Very Low Temperatures
High indoor temperatures can make your home uncomfortable. This can tempt you to set the thermostat to very low temperatures to quickly cool down your home. But this leads to temperature swings and forces the cooling system to work longer to meet your desired temperatures.
Overworking your cooling system results in higher energy consumption. The system also strains its components, which can contribute to premature damage. It can also cause the evaporator coils to freeze because there is no adequate heat exchange.
For a comfortable indoor environment without raised energy bills, keep your thermostat between 72 and 78 degrees. If this is not comfortable, reduce the temperature by one degree at a time until your desired level.
3. Lack of Maintenance
If you neglect thermostat maintenance, it may contribute to energy inefficiency. It is important to keep your thermostat in optimal working condition through professional services.
An HVAC technician will check if your thermostat is in the right location for correct readings. They will test its accuracy by comparing the readings with that of an accurate device. If there is a significant difference in the readings, they will calibrate your device.
Dirt and dust can accumulate on your thermostat. If it settles on the sensors, it will interfere with the thermostat’s performance. The device can fail to read the temperatures correctly or lose connection with your HVAC system.
Regularly clean your thermostat with a soft brush to remove loose dirt. Also, if you have a model that uses batteries, replace it with fresh ones as needed. For those that rely on electricity, ensure they are properly connected to the power supply.
4. Turning off the Thermostat
You may decide to turn off the thermostat when leaving your home to reduce energy consumption. Doing this can lead to the temperature inside the rooms rising very high in your absence. The indoor humidity levels can also rise, creating an ideal environment for biological growth.
When you return, the cooling system will work harder to cool your home to the needed level. Instead of turning off the thermostat, set it a few degrees higher than normal. If you are going out for a few hours, raise the settings to three to five degrees and up to 10 degrees when on longer trips.
Under these settings, the thermostat will signal the HVAC system to keep the house cool without working very hard. It also ensures the air inside keeps circulating. This prevents unhealthy air quality and lowers humidity levels.
You can make mistakes when using your thermostat that lead to higher energy bills. If you need professional maintenance for your thermostat, contact Griffith Energy Services, Inc.
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