Setting Your Thermostat for the Cooler Fall Temperatures

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Finally, the cooler temperatures have arrived in the Valley of the Sun. Welcome relief from the punishing summer heat is here, bringing opportunities for plenty of outdoor activities. Yet, October can also bring downright chilly early morning and evening temperatures. With the change in season from summer to fall, it’s a great time to take a few moments to reset your programmable thermostat. This will ensure you’re optimizing your home’s HVAC system for both heating comfort and cost.

At Home

Setting your thermostat at 68 degrees when you wake up in the morning or when you’re working from home is energy efficient. You’ll feel pleasantly warm without raising your monthly APS or SRP heating bills to excessive levels. Consider the best hours when this temperature setting is most appropriate according to your family’s typical weekday and weekend schedules.

At Bedtime

When you’re sleeping, you probably will not notice a slight drop in temperature. Even if you’re sensitive to colder indoor temperatures, an extra blanket or cozy comforter on the bed is usually enough to maintain warmth without dialing up the heat. Consider lowering your thermostat setting by five degrees for the eight or so hours that you’re in bed asleep.

Away from Home

Did you know that you can save over 15 percent on your monthly heating bills by lowering your thermostat setting by 10 degrees for at least eight hours each day? If your family schedules are relatively consistent, you can set your thermostat to increase your home’s indoor temperature 15 to 20 minutes before you arrive home. Reducing your house’s indoor temperature while you’re away on vacation will save energy, too. You won’t notice the temperature difference in your house, but you sure will on your monthly utility bill!

Call Bruce’s

If you’re struggling with an outdated thermostat that you can’t program or are having difficulty programming your programmable or smart thermostat, it may be time to consider installing a newer model or getting professional programming advice. Thermostat technology has advanced dramatically in the last ten years, and it’s easier than ever to reduce your energy consumption while still maintaining a comfortable home temperature. Call the experts at Bruce’s Heating & Air Conditioning to learn more about the benefits of installing a new programmable or smart thermostat. Call our HVAC technicians anytime of the day or night at 480-968-5652.