Navigating the Summer Heat: The Right Way to Use Your Thermostat! – Have you been using your air conditioning system extensively this summer in Bozeman, MT? If so, you may be wondering how to best maintain a comfortable temperature inside your home without overworking your AC. When the temperature is hot outside, it’s common for homeowners to keep lowering the thermostat setting, often to 60°F – the lowest possible setting – in a desperate attempt to alleviate the sweltering heat. However, this practice unnecessarily increases your energy bill and stresses your AC system. And the worst part? It doesn’t necessarily make you feel any cooler.

THE SWITCH VS. THROTTLE THERMOSTAT MISCONCEPTION 

Think of your thermostat as a taskmaster, not a speed controller. When you call for “More cooling!” and lower your thermostat, you’re not fueling your AC like a coal-burning engine. Instead, you’re just setting a new temperature goal for your air conditioner to achieve. Your thermostat operates on a binary principle – “on” or “off” – it isn’t a throttle that can modulate power up and down. Lowering the thermostat’s temperature to the extreme won’t make your AC work faster or produce more cooling.

THE ISSUE OF HEAT GAIN 

To counteract heat gain effectively, it’s important to slow it down. While proper insulation is crucial, maintaining the indoor temperature close to the outdoor temperature also significantly reduces heat gain. The smaller the difference between indoor and outdoor temperatures, the slower the heat gain. Drastically lowering the indoor temperature, such as setting it to 60°F, creates a significant temperature difference, accelerating heat gain. Your AC must work hard to counteract the rapid heat inflow continuously.

A practical approach would be to set your thermostat at a higher yet comfortable temperature and maintain this consistently throughout the day. This way, you can slow heat gain while avoiding unnecessary continuous AC operation. So, What’s the Ideal Temperature? It varies from one household to another.

The US Department of Energy suggests keeping your thermostat at 78 degrees when home. “Set your thermostat as high as comfortably possible in the summer,” the energy department says on its site. “The smaller the difference between the indoor and outdoor temperatures, the lower your overall cooling bill will be.” If you feel uncomfortable with the initial temperature of 78°F, it may be helpful to gradually adjust the thermostat by one degree lower each day until you reach a comfortable temperature.

EXPLORING ADDITIONAL COOLING METHODS

When your indoor space still feels warm despite having your thermostat set at a comfortable temperature, you can employ several alternative methods to keep cool. In addition to using air conditioning, consider incorporating the following into your routine:

Embrace Ceiling Fans: They create a refreshing breeze and consume significantly less energy than air conditioners. By circulating the air in the room, ceiling fans enhance the evaporation of perspiration from your skin, providing a natural cooling effect.

Optimize Window Coverings: Take advantage of blinds or shades to control the amount of sunlight entering your home during the hottest parts of the day. This approach is particularly beneficial if your windows lack modern insulation. By closing the blinds or shades, you can prevent solar heat from penetrating your living space, thus reducing the need for excessive cooling.

Minimize Heat-Generating Activities: Avoid using dishwashers, ovens, and dryers during the hottest times. They produce heat and increase humidity levels, forcing your air conditioner to work harder to maintain a comfortable environment. You can prevent unnecessary heat accumulation by reducing usage or shifting operations to cooler hours. Use programmable or smart thermostats to schedule temperature adjustments based on your daily routines.

In summary, understanding the correct use of your thermostat and the value of other cooling techniques to navigate Bozeman’s summer heat is essential. Setting your thermostat to a low temperature does not boost your AC’s cooling power. It places unnecessary strain on your system and elevates energy costs.

Instead, maintain a comfortable and slightly higher indoor temperature that mirrors outdoor conditions, reducing heat gain and excessive AC operation. Beyond adjusting your thermostat, try incorporating other cooling strategies like ceiling fans, strategically manipulating window coverings, and minimizing heat-generating activities during peak hours.

By understanding and leveraging these tactics, you’ll enjoy a more comfortable summer, save energy, and prolong the longevity of your AC system. It’s about a smarter, not harder, use of your home cooling resources. Stay comfortable and energy-wise this summer!

COMFORT SYSTEMS OF MONTANA

Beat the summertime heat with a fully functioning air conditioning system. Founded in 1999, Comfort Systems of Montana is a veteran-owned HVAC company that cares about our customers.

Whether you need an AC installation or an air conditioning repair, you can count on us to exceed your expectations for service. Our NATE-certified technicians can find and fix most air AC problems in a single visit. If the issue is beyond repair, we can recommend a replacement and complete the installation. We offer flat-rate prices and guarantee your 100% satisfaction.

We’re a factory-authorized Carrier dealer that carries and installs central air conditioners, ductless mini-splits, and heat pumps. We specialize in new residential construction AC installations and service all AC equipment makes and models. We also offer a Comfort Club Membership. We’ll complete a comprehensive check to ensure your air conditioner operates as it should.

Call our friendly and professional team for AC installation, repair, or maintenance service in Big Sky, Bozeman, Livingston, or surrounding communities. Schedule an appointment today!