Are you ready to save as much as 10% on your annual heating and cooling costs, all while getting quality rest? 

If you answered yes, then this blog is for you. 

Many homeowners are making the switch from traditional thermostats, to the next best thing, programmable thermostats. This gives homeowners the ability to control their homes comfortability levels, and their energy bills simultaneously. By adding a programmable thermostat to your heating, ventilation, or air conditioning unit you can sleep better knowing you are saving money while keeping your family comfortable. 

Smart Thermostats – Saving You Money and Electricity.

You can save up to 10% a year on your heating and cooling bill just by turning your thermostat down an average of 7-10° for an average of 8 hours per day. Most households will do this while the family is away such as at work or school. To save energy during the Winter months, it is recommended by the Department of Energy that you set the thermostat to 68° while you are at home and awake, and even lower while you are sleeping or away from your residence. During the hot, East Texas Summer months, the Department of Energy recommends a setting of 78° and even higher when you are away from home. You will want to avoid adjusting your temperature abruptly once you do arrive home. Doing this will not cool your home any faster, and actually may in fact cause your unit to overwork to cool the same amount of space. With a programmable thermostat, your home can be controlled remotely, and can have temperatures returned to your liking before you even come home! 

Note from the pros: The smaller the difference between your indoor and outdoor air temperature the lower you can expect your utility bills to be! The lower the interior temperature, the less heat loss your home will experience, in turn saving you more energy and reducing your bill. The higher the temperature, the more energy your home creates, causing your bill to increase. 

Benefits of Programmable Thermostats

• Saves money
• A consistent temperature
• Less time adjusting 
• Increase the efficiency of your home 
• Keep your HVAC unit optimized 
• Take advantage of time 
• Maximize your zoned heating and cooling

Note from the pros: It’s important to have your smart thermostat professionally installed by a licensed HVAC technician to avoid “ghost readings”. Ghost readings are often caused by exposure to heat, drafts, doors, skylights, windows and other sources of direct sunlight and can cause your system to overwork.   

Now, let’s talk sleep.

According to The National Sleep Foundation, it is recommended that you set your thermostat to 65° at night while sleeping. This temperature may vary based on your personal preferences, however most doctors will recommend keeping your thermostat set between 60-70° for the most comfortable sleep. Naturally, our bodies are programmed to reduce our core temperature in the evening time. And by turning your thermostat down, you help your body regulate its temperature and signal to your body that it’s time for sleep. 

Dancing to the circadian rhythm

The circadian rhythm is a system based on the light and dark cycles of the sun and moon. This cycle is controlled by a part of your brain called the ‘suprachiasmatic nucleus’ which is essentially your body’s clock. This clock will receive cues from numerous sources, such as environmental factors, personal factors, the amount of light exposure, exercise and temperature. 

Tips for keeping your bedroom cool during our Texas summers

Higher temperatures at night can cause not only discomfort, but a disruption in your REM sleep, as well as blood pressure! 

• Keep your blinds closed. This will reduce heat build up within your home during the day. 
• Turn down your thermostat at night to the recommended temperature.  
• Use a fan or a portable air conditioning unit to help circulate air throughout the room.  
• Keep your humidity under control.
• Use breathable bedding materials, and light comforters. 
• Take a warm bath an hour or two before bedtime to help encourage a natural “cool down”.  

If you are ready to optimize your home, and decrease your monthly electricity bill, it’s time to give the pros at JD’s a call! We have a highly trained team of certified HVAC technicians who are ready to help you achieve your maximum level of comfortability. Proudly serving those in Longview, Marshall, Gilmer, Tyler, Gladewater, Hallsville, Harleton, White Oak, Lakeport, and surrounding areas.