HVAC systems rely on signals coming from the thermostat to assess how much effort they should put into heating or cooling a room. Homeowners can keep a constant setting on the thermostat throughout the day. This surely simplifies things, though it is unlikely that a single temperature will feel comfortable at all times. For example, people are usually more active during the day as they move about, clean the area, play with the kids, do some food preparation, take care of the household chores, and so on. This causes them to generate body heat, which will need to be countered by the air conditioning system.

This variable temperature requirement is the reason why people constantly change the thermostat setting according to what they feel. This can be quite bothersome, though. A more elegant solution would be to have a programmable thermostat installed. Pre-defined settings may be entered and made to go active at the most appropriate times. There are different temperatures for bedtime, for daytime, for the nighttime hours when people are still awake, for the office hours when no one is at home, and any other special time blocks that suit the family’s lifestyle.

Of course, the season will have its say as well. Winter demands adequate heating with most people choosing to set their thermostats at 68°F during their waking hours. It is a good compromise between comfort and energy consumption. This setting may be allowed to slide lower when the people go out to their workplaces and schools. An adjustment of 10 to 15 degrees from the ideal thermostat settings is a good shift. It will reduce the demands on the heater which will enable the household to save on fuel or electricity.

Meanwhile, summer settings tend to hover around 78°F. It’s cool and comfortable without being overly chilly. The thermostat may be adjusted to a slightly warmer temperature during the night and during the idle hours of the day for energy and cost savings as well.

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