Maybe you’re rolling your eyes at this question. “Is there really a right or wrong way to use a thermostat? It’s such a simple device! How could I be using it incorrectly?”
We get it, the thermostat is one of the smallest components of your air conditioning system and it can seem a bit absurd that we’d suggest you’re not using it to the best of its ability. But, the truth is, the way you use (or don’t use) your thermostat can have a significant impact on the efficiency of your air conditioner–and your heater, for that matter.
The thermostat serves as the brain of your HVAC systems. If it’s not sending the right signals to your climate control equipment, then that equipment won’t work right, either. Read on as we dive into this topic a bit further.
You may hear a lot of advice over the years on how to boost efficiency and performance for your air conditioner. Some of this advice is worth listening to—investing in professional maintenance for your cooling system, changing your air filter every 1-3 months, clearing out the space surrounding your outdoor unit—and some is, well, not.
When temperatures soar to their highest during the summer, homeowners are immensely grateful for the use of their central air conditioners. What most homeowners aren’t grateful for, though, are the high energy bills that come along with AC bills. They may try to use their air conditioners less, or hope to save energy by keeping unnecessary lights off (this helps, but not much!)