Is it better to leave your thermostat at a constant temperature?
The short answer is no, it is not better to leave your thermostat at a constant temperature. While it may seem like a good idea to set your thermostat at a comfortable temperature and leave it there, it can actually lead to wasted energy and higher utility bills.
One of the main reasons why it is not recommended to keep your thermostat at a constant temperature is because it causes your HVAC system to run constantly. This means that your furnace or air conditioner will continue to run even when you are not at home or when you are asleep. This constant running not only wastes energy, but it also puts unnecessary wear and tear on your HVAC system, potentially leading to more frequent repairs or even premature system failure.
In addition, keeping your thermostat at a constant temperature does not take into account the changing weather conditions throughout the day. For example, during the summer months, the temperature outside tends to be cooler in the mornings and evenings, while it is hotter during the middle of the day. By keeping your thermostat at a constant temperature, your air conditioner will continue to run at full blast even when it may not be necessary, resulting in unnecessary energy consumption.
Another reason why it is not advisable to keep your thermostat at a constant temperature is because it does not take into account your daily schedule. Most people are not at home for the majority of the day, whether it’s because they are at work, running errands, or participating in other activities. If you keep your thermostat at a constant temperature, your HVAC system will continue to run even when you are not there to enjoy the comfort. This can lead to a significant waste of energy and money.
Instead of keeping your thermostat at a constant temperature, it is recommended to use a programmable thermostat. A programmable thermostat allows you to set different temperature settings for different times of the day, based on your schedule. For example, you can program the thermostat to lower the temperature when you are away from home or asleep, and raise it back up when you are expected to return or wake up. This way, your HVAC system only runs when it is actually needed, resulting in energy savings and lower utility bills.
I have personally experienced the benefits of using a programmable thermostat in my own home. Before I installed a programmable thermostat, I would keep my thermostat at a constant temperature throughout the day. However, I noticed that my utility bills were consistently high, even when I was not at home for most of the day. After installing a programmable thermostat and programming it to adjust the temperature based on my daily schedule, I saw a significant decrease in my energy consumption and utility bills.
It is not better to leave your thermostat at a constant temperature. Doing so can lead to wasted energy, higher utility bills, and unnecessary wear and tear on your HVAC system. Instead, it is recommended to use a programmable thermostat to adjust the temperature based on your daily schedule, allowing for energy savings and increased comfort.