Simply put, the end of daylight saving time can affect the comfort settings you currently have on your HVAC system, especially if you use a programmable thermostat. To prevent any loss of comfort or waste of energy, here are some steps to take when the time falls back.
MAKE SURE THE TIME FALLS BACK
Most modern thermostats make the one-hour adjustment from daylight saving time to standard time automatically, but it's a change you should verify. If it's not set back, your thermostat programming will be off by an hour.
SWITCH YOUR HVAC MODE
The end of daylight savings time typically coincides with the arrival of heating season, so it's an ideal opportunity to switch your HVAC system from cooling to heating mode.
MAKE NEEDED SCHEDULING CHANGES
Once your system is in heating mode, you can check your programming schedule and make any necessary adjustments to keep your home comfortable and minimize consumption to lower your energy bills. When you're establishing settings that match your family's daily routine, be sure to use these general programming tips:
- Set weekday temperature setbacks.If everyone in the household is usually away at school or work on weekdays, you can set the temperature back by up to 10 degrees to save energy.
- Program in overnight temperature adjustments.You won't need to keep the house as warm when everyone is sleeping, so schedule setbacks of 10 to 15 degrees at night.
- Factor in warm-up periods.When you're setting your desired heating schedule, remember to program temperature increases that allow ample time for the house to warm up before you usually rise each morning or arrive home at the end of each day.
REPLACE YOUR THERMOSTAT BATTERIES
When you're making end of daylight saving time adjustments on your thermostat, use it as a handy reminder to put in fresh batteries so that the unit stays fully functional throughout the winter.
To learn more about optimizing your home's HVAC for the end of daylight saving time, visit our Valley Heating, Cooling, Electrical and Solar website or give us a call at (408) 868-5500.