There are many things that you can do to make your home more environmentally friendly. These can include simple tasks like recycling your trash or making fewer car trips, or something more elaborate, such as installing solar panels on your roof. However, one of the best ways that you can make your home more eco-friendly right now is by developing an effective plan around your thermostat.
Install a Programmable or a Smart Thermostat
Installing a programmable or a smart thermostat is one of the best ways to make your home friendlier to both the environment and your budget. Most modern thermostats are programmable, which means they will adjust your home’s temperature based on a schedule that you set up yourself. There is no need to make manual adjustments when you come home from work or before you go to bed. You can simply program the thermostat and not have to touch it until the seasons change. Ideally, your thermostat will always be at the most energy-efficient temperature, which will help lower your utility bills and reduce your carbon footprint.
Programmable thermostats are now pretty much the norm, but you also have the option of installing a smart thermostat. Many smart thermostat models learn your routine and habits and will adjust the temperature accordingly, thereby eliminating the need to even set up a program. Most models can also be adjusted remotely with a smartphone app, making it easy to control your home’s temperature from anywhere.
If you don’t feel the need or have the budget for a smart thermostat system, you should at least install a programmable thermostat in your home if you don’t have one already. While they aren’t as convenient as the most advanced smart thermostats, they will still help lower your home’s energy usage.
Learn the Optimal Thermostat Settings for Each Season
Even though having a programmable or smart thermostat will help give you a more eco-friendly home, they still need to be used correctly. This will mean knowing the optimal thermostat setting for each season. The most energy-efficient thermostat setting during the summer when you’re at home is 78 degrees. That might sound high if you don’t like the heat, but it’s still significantly cooler than when the outside temperatures are in the 80s and 90s. You can also help your home feel cooler by turning on ceiling fans, opening windows when it’s cooler outside, or closing your curtains or blinds on sunny days. You can raise the temperature by a few degrees when you’re not home to save energy.
As for the winter season, we recommend keeping your thermostat at 68 degrees when you’re at home. Again, if that sounds too cold, you can always wear warmer clothes or use blankets to feel warmer when you’re in bed or sitting on the couch. You can also lower the temperature a bit to save money at night or when you’re away from home.
Eco-friendly living may sound daunting to some people, but it’s easier than you think. Smarter thermostat usage is a great way to get started. Keep these tips in mind, and don’t hesitate to call an HVAC contractor for more information on how you can stay comfortable in your home without wasting energy. If you live in Tampa Bay, FL or a surrounding area and need thermostat services, make your first call to Cornerstone Pros.