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Your HVAC system is designed to keep your home comfortable year-round, but adjusting settings seasonally is essential for maximizing efficiency and maintaining comfort as temperatures change. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to set your HVAC system for optimal performance in both winter and summer, and share some practical tips to help you save on energy bills while staying cozy in winter and cool in summer.
When winter rolls around, it’s all about keeping your home warm and energy-efficient without overloading your heating system. Here are the key adjustments to make during the colder months:
Optimal Temperature Range: The U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting your thermostat to 68°F during the day when you’re home. Lowering it to around 60-62°F at night or when you’re away can save energy.
Programmable Settings: If you have a programmable or smart thermostat, set a schedule that warms the house before you wake up and lowers the temperature when you’re sleeping or out of the house. This reduces energy usage without sacrificing comfort.
Why Humidity Matters: Cold winter air can feel drier, which may lead to discomfort and health issues like dry skin or irritated sinuses.
Adding Humidity: Consider using a humidifier or enabling your HVAC’s built-in humidity control if it has one. Aim to maintain indoor humidity levels around 30-50% to improve comfort and prevent dry air.
Ceiling Fan Adjustment: Most people think of ceiling fans as a cooling tool, but they can be helpful in winter, too. Set your ceiling fan to rotate clockwise at a low speed to push warm air down from the ceiling, helping circulate heat throughout the room.
Filter Replacement: Replace or clean your HVAC filter before the winter season to ensure efficient airflow and reduce strain on your system.
Check Vents and Registers: Make sure vents and registers are clear of obstructions, like furniture or drapes, to ensure even heating throughout your home.
Schedule a Tune-Up: Consider scheduling a professional HVAC inspection to ensure your system is ready for heavy winter use.
In the summer, your HVAC system works hard to keep your home cool. Here’s how to adjust your settings to stay comfortable and efficient when the heat rises:
Recommended Temperature Range: Set your thermostat to 78°F when you’re home during the day for an ideal balance of comfort and energy savings. When you’re away or sleeping, increase it to around 82°F to reduce cooling costs.
Utilize Programmable Settings: Program or set your thermostat to gradually cool your home before you return from work, so you don’t waste energy cooling an empty house.
Ceiling Fan Direction: Set ceiling fans to rotate counterclockwise at a higher speed to create a breeze that cools the air around you.
Reduce AC Dependence: By using fans in combination with your AC, you can reduce how frequently your AC runs, which helps lower energy costs.
Close Blinds and Curtains: Sunlight can raise indoor temperatures significantly, forcing your AC to work harder. Close blinds or curtains during the hottest parts of the day to block out excess heat.
Limit Appliance Use: Avoid using heat-generating appliances, like ovens or dryers, during peak heat hours. Instead, cook outside or run appliances in the early morning or evening when temperatures are cooler.
Check the Filter: In the summer, HVAC filters can get dirty quickly, especially with heavy use. Check and replace your filter at least once a month.
Clean Outdoor Unit: Clear any debris, leaves, or dirt from around your outdoor AC unit to ensure proper airflow and efficient cooling.
Professional Check-Up: Schedule a professional inspection to make sure your air conditioner is running at peak efficiency and to catch any potential issues before they become costly repairs.
To keep your HVAC system running smoothly throughout the year, consider these ongoing maintenance and energy-saving tips:
Smart thermostats allow you to set schedules, adjust temperatures remotely, and track energy usage. Many models also have seasonally adjusted recommendations to help you save money and maintain comfort.
Air leaks around windows, doors, and ducts can lead to significant energy loss. Seal any drafts with weather stripping or caulking to keep warm air in during winter and cool air in during summer.
Proper insulation in your attic and walls helps keep your home’s temperature stable, reducing the load on your HVAC system. Consider adding insulation if you notice that rooms quickly lose heat in winter or feel warm in summer.
When you’re away for extended periods, set your thermostat to around 55°F in winter to prevent freezing pipes and around 85°F in summer to avoid high cooling costs. Smart thermostats can make these adjustments automatic, allowing you to easily manage settings even from afar.
Adjusting your HVAC settings seasonally is an effective way to maintain comfort and save on energy bills year-round. With the right temperature settings, efficient use of fans, and seasonal maintenance, you can keep your home comfortable without overloading your HVAC system. As temperatures change, take the time to make these small adjustments—they’ll add up to big savings and a more comfortable home, no matter the season. View our guide on HVAC Energy Efficiency Tips