Air conditioning costs can be quite a shock once the first utility bill of the season arrives. Your thermostat can play a significant role in helping to keep these costs as low as possible. The following are some tips for how to properly use your thermostat in a way that keeps you cool without emptying your bank account.
Ask for Professional Advice
Your HVAC technician is a wealth of information on how to use your thermostat properly. Some homeowners don’t want to feel like they’re “bothering” the tech during an appointment by asking questions, but they’re there to help. Ask them for their professional advice on how to use your specific thermostat in a way that won’t cause your utility bills to increase.
Do Your Research
Doing your own research can also be beneficial. However, you want to make sure you’re getting your information from reliable sources, such as the HVAC company’s website and the United States Department of Energy’s website. Look up advice on your specific HVAC system and thermostat along with general information to help you get through the hottest season in Florida.
Know How to Properly Set Your Thermostat
One big mistake many homeowners make is that – in an effort to cool their home fast – they lower their thermostat to a temperature that’s way below where they actually want and need it to be.
Your system doesn’t operate this way, and it won’t lead to your home cooling off more quickly. The only things this will accomplish are wasted energy and higher costs. Set it to your desired temperature and let it be.
Prepare Yourself and the Rest of Your Home
The goal of air conditioning is to make your home feel comfortably cool, which typically involves setting your thermostat at a temperature that helps you feel that way. However, other actions you take can prevent you from wanting to lower your temperature setting.
For example, opt for wearing fabrics like linen and cotton that can help you stay cool. You should also turn on the ceiling fan in the room you’re in when possible and consider using blackout blinds or curtains to keep rooms cool that you’re not typically in throughout the day, such as your bedroom. Even small changes can have big results with how comfortable you feel in your home during warm weather, and all without having to lower your thermostat’s temperature.
Learn more about how to properly use your thermostat while keeping your air conditioning costs low all year long. Call Cornerstone Pros today for a range of air conditioning services and smart usage tips for your Tampa Bay, FL home. Our team will be happy to help you with all your AC maintenance, installation, and repair needs.