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Setting your thermostat at the right temperature for cooling and heating can make a difference in your energy bills. At some point in the fall, we usually switch from air conditioning to heating. Yet, this time of year can have warmer and cooler days, making it hard to know when to switch and what HVAC temperature setting you should use. Here, we’ll offer some guidelines on what temperature you should set your HVAC thermostat in the fall.
When to Switch to Heating Mode
With the fall season, you usually have cooler temperatures and do not need to use your air conditioning as much. However, this time of year usually brings fluctuating temperatures, making it difficult to know when to switch to heat mode. You might be tempted to turn the heater on in the morning and switch to AC in the afternoon. Some thermostats can automatically switch from heat to AC when a set temperature is reached. However, either scenario wastes electricity, and unless you have household members with fragile health, it is generally not recommended.
There is no exact temperature for switching from cooling to heating mode. This time of year can often bring significant energy savings. You may be able to rely on opening the windows or using ceiling fans to keep you comfortable. When temperatures are consistently low, you can usually switch to heat.
Rather than relying on outside temperatures to know when to switch, looking to your indoor temperatures is best. The WHO recommends that when indoor temperatures reach 64 degrees, it’s time to use the heater. However, if you have young children, seniors, or people with health issues, you may want to switch earlier than that.
AC Thermostat Settings in Early Fall
The Department of Energy recommends setting the AC to 78 degrees. Depending on your heat tolerance, you could lower this temperature. You could switch the setting to 80 degrees or higher when no one is home to reduce expenses. Some homeowners also prefer to raise the temperature when everyone is sleeping.
The Department of Energy indicates that you can save around 3% on your energy bill for every degree you increase the temperature when using central air conditioning. Going with a slightly higher temperature setting could help you manage your air conditioning costs this fall.
Heat Thermostat Settings in the Later Fall
The Department of Energy recommends that in the winter, you should set your thermostat for heating to 68 degrees when people are home and awake. You can reduce the setting to 65 degrees or less when no one is home or when everyone is sleeping. As with AC settings, having different temperature settings at different times of day provides a way to maintain your comfort and reduce your expenses.
Programmable and Smart Thermostats for Energy Savings
If you have a traditional, non-programmable thermostat, it can be a hassle to constantly remember to adjust the temperature settings. If you’re still using a non-programmable thermostat, it may be time to upgrade. Programmable models offer the advantage of letting you set a schedule according to the time of day and allowing you to control the heating and cooling of your home more effectively and save energy.
For even more energy savings, many homeowners opt for smart thermostats, which go beyond what programmable thermostats can do. Smart thermostats are estimated to save you 10% to 20% off your energy bills. A Wi-Fi-enabled smart thermostat lets you operate them from your phone, tablet, or computer. This convenient feature is great when you go on vacation and forget to adjust the temperature before you leave. It’s also handy if your schedule changes while you’re not home.
Many models have advanced features to help you save even more energy. Some smart thermostats can learn from previous settings and make changes to temperature on their own. They can also track and store data to measure temperature fluctuations and energy usage. Some models allow you to monitor humidity levels. Others have geo-fencing capability. With this feature enabled, the thermostat can register when you leave or are approaching your home and adjust temperatures automatically.
Schedule HVAC Maintenance in the Fall
Before switching to heat mode, scheduling a maintenance visit can ensure that your HVAC operates efficiently and keeps your home at the desired temperature settings. We specialize in heating and air conditioning repairs, maintenance, and installations. With our tune-up service, a professional technician inspects all components of your HVAC. You may also want to schedule maintenance for your AC in the spring when we examine areas such as drain lines and refrigerant levels to ensure your system is still ready for warmer days.
With our furnace maintenance, we can determine if any parts, such as your furnace blower, are worn down and need to be replaced. This component contains a belt that connects to a motor, which will wear out over time. Issues with the blower can interfere with efficiently heating your home. We also remove clogs and debris from your system that could disrupt your airflow.
Our tune-up service lets our technicians lubricate and clean parts and evaluate components like the heat exchanger for any corrosion. We also calibrate your thermostat and make sure it does not have any electrical issues. In addition, our team of professionals performs such measures as making sure your outdoor condenser unit has a clearance area for proper air circulation.
Fall maintenance is crucial to preventing minor issues from becoming major ones that lead to expensive repairs. Arranging for a tune-up will also help make sure your HVAC runs efficiently this fall, reduce your risk of a breakdown, and help extend the life of the system.
Heat Pump Maintenance
For homeowners with a heat pump, these units will help you stay cool on warmer days and warm when the temperature drops. When you use the cooling option, your heat pump takes the heat from inside your home and transfers it outside. When heating your house, your unit absorbs heat from the outside air or ground and redistributes it inside.
As with a furnace, scheduling a service visit for your heat pump will help keep it working as it should. Since heat pumps do not burn fuel, they are energy efficient. Yet, they still need maintenance to retain that efficiency. Our technicians can evaluate your unit and provide services such as replacing worn-out parts, cleaning coils, and inspecting electrical connections.
Furnace and heat pump maintenance are important services that help your HVAC keep your home comfortable this fall season.
High-Quality HVAC Services
Please contact us at Agers Heating & Air Conditioning for more information about HVAC repairs, maintenance, and installation services. We offer complete air conditioning and heating services in St. Peters, MO, and the Greater St. Louis area. For 20 years, we have helped over 4,000 customers with their HVAC systems. We have highly qualified, NATE-certified technicians who provide unparalleled customer service. We are here for all your HVAC needs with our premier maintenance plan. Call us today!
