Like many other sections of the technological universe, the capabilities of the market’s best air conditioners continue to advance. As a result, there are now many ways to program thermostats to achieve peak efficiency and comfort. That’s why we’ll be showing you how to set the air conditioner thermostat to optimize it to meet your needs.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Whether you have a traditional, programmable, or smart thermostat, there are ways you can set up your AC to be as energy-efficient as possible.
- Programmable thermostats can be set up on a weekly schedule so that an air conditioning unit only runs when it needs to.
- Through WiFi connection, users can control smart thermostats directly from their smartphones.
And for those in the market for a new cooling unit, we have a great guide on the best 1500 BTU air conditioners.
How to Set the Air Conditioner Thermostat
Setting an air conditioner thermostat is a bit of an art. Depending on what kind of thermostat you have, the process will look different. But overall, putting in the work to set it up correctly saves a lot of money in the long run. In addition, knowing how to set a timer for an air conditioner or familiarizing yourself with the smart functions are significant steps to feeling secure about your AC habits.
Insider Tip
To maximize energy efficiency, schedule regular maintenance inspections and check the air filter often.
If you’re looking to switch up your type of AC system, you can check out our article on how a wall-mounted air conditioner works.
Traditional Setup
With any type of thermostat, the best way to begin setup is to know the various functions. But the most important thing to understand with a traditional thermostat is the Fan On/Auto. When you set it to Auto, the fan will only blow when achieving the desired temperature. However, when the fan setting is turned to On, the fan blows continually, regardless of the temperature.
It’s recommended to use Auto mode as much as possible. Doing this helps maintain comfortable temperatures while increasing energy savings. Another way to save on utility costs is to understand each part of your AC unit. You can read up on **what an evaporator coil does **for more on this.
Programmable Thermostat
The main benefit of a programmable thermostat is creating a temperature setting to fit your schedule. Here, you can plot out an indoor temperature for an entire week. With 7-day programming, users can create a thermostat setting that considers the time they will be away and make shifts in temperature automatically. Doing this eliminates any worry about running high energy costs and removes the burden of remembering to change the temperature continuously.
Smart Thermostat
Smart thermostats take the luxury of programmable thermostats to a new level. They allow users to control air conditioning from their phones. So at any time of day, users with a cell connection can alter the indoor air temperature of their house and can turn off their AC from afar.
Users of smart thermostats continuously report incredible energy efficiency and decreased utility bills from using smart settings.
Warning
Don’t turn off your AC entirely if you’re only leaving the house for the day. It takes a lot of energy to start the AC and is less expensive to leave it on at a higher temperature.
F.A.Q.S
Where is the best place to put a thermostat?
Make sure that the thermostat isn’t in an area with direct sunlight. Sunlight can throw off the temperature sensor that’s built into the thermostat.
What temperature should I set the thermostat to when it’s 100 degrees outside?
Higher outdoor temperature doesn’t automatically mean you should lower indoor temperature. Start at a recommended 78 degrees and then adjust to what’s comfortable.
Should I use the air conditioning or the ceiling fan?
As a sage once said, “why not both?” Ceiling fans work great with AC and can help amplify the cooling effect, so you don’t have to waste energy setting your AC at a lower temperature.
STAT: Service experts recommend changing your air filter once every 90 days during the summer months. (source)
REFERENCES:
- https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/spring-and-summer-energy-saving-tips#:~:text=Operate%20Your%20Thermostat%20Efficiently&text=The%20smaller%20the%20difference%20between,return%20home%20and%20need%20cooling.
- https://www.serviceexperts.com/faq/how-often-should-i-change-my-air-filter-at-home#:~:text=Vacation%20house%20or%20one%20occupant,has%20allergies%3A%2020%E2%80%9345%20days
- https://www.trane.com/residential/en/resources/should-you-really-set-your-thermostat-to-78-in-the-summer/r
- https://www.ahs.com/home-matters/quick-tips/hold-fan-or-auto-set-your-thermostat-to-save-money/
- https://www.centralhtg.com/blog/recommended-thermostat-settings
