HVAC systems perform better and consume less electricity in the winter if kept running, as opposed to switching them off then on again when needed at night when temperatures have dropped. One may be inclined to do the latter, as winters in Orange County are relatively mild compared to most other parts of the country. In today’s post, local heating and air conditioning company McMaster discusses whether or not you should run your HVAC system during a mild winter.
Should You Keep Your HVAC System Running?
The short answer is yes. While it’s true that an HVAC system won’t be consuming energy while it’s turned off, it will consume more energy if turned off and back on again regularly. One reason for this is because of a small but significant surge every time the system is powered on. Another reason is because the HVAC system will have to bring the entire house (or the room, if you’re using a mini-split heat pump) up to the right temperature each time it’s turned on, which means it will be running at full capacity for a longer period of time every time it’s turned on.
Compare this with keeping the heating or air conditioning system running. When an HVAC system reaches the temperature set on your thermostat, it will automatically cycle down, then start back up again when the temperature changes. This keeps the HVAC system running at a much lower capacity, which ultimately results in lower energy consumption. It also means the HVAC system wouldn’t be running at full throttle at any time.
Invest in a Programmable Thermostat
If your HVAC system is still equipped with an old-fashioned mercury or bi-metal thermostat, consider investing in a programmable one. A basic one can be programmed for a 24-hour “wake, leave, return, sleep” cycle. More advanced thermostats can support different programming for weekday-weekend cycles. A programmable thermostat automates your HVAC system’s output according to your household’s daily schedule, reduces the workload on your HVAC system and prolongs its service life.
Call McMaster for Your Heating & Cooling Needs
McMaster is your leading provider of HVAC services, including heating repair. Give us a call at (949) 481-7995 or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment. We serve customers in Irvine and the surrounding communities in Orange County, CA.
