Should I turn the heat down at night or when I am away?
Turning the heat down a few degrees at night or while you are out saves energy, as long as the drop is modest. Large swings force the system to work hard to recover, which can cancel the savings. Smaller, scheduled setbacks work best.
A schedule does this better than memory. Program a lower setpoint for sleeping hours and have the system return to your comfort level shortly before you wake up, so you never feel the cold start of the morning.
In the West Valley, many winter days warm up fast, so the heat may not run through the afternoon at all. A schedule that matches that pattern avoids heating a house that the sun is already warming.
Do heat pumps need different winter settings?
Heat pumps do best with steady settings and small setbacks. A large jump in the setpoint can cause the system to call for backup heat to catch up, which uses more power than the heat pump alone. Choose one comfortable temperature and let the system hold it.
If you are not sure whether your system is a heat pump, check the thermostat for Aux or Em Heat labels, or look at the outdoor unit nameplate. Those details tell you whether backup heat is part of the equation.
Emergency heat is a manual mode meant for equipment trouble, not for ordinary cold mornings. Leaving it on by mistake can run up electric use without helping comfort.
What kind of thermostat makes winter settings easier?
A programmable or smart thermostat makes winter settings easier by running a schedule automatically and keeping the temperature steady without daily fiddling. Choose one that is compatible with your equipment, including heat pump control and any backup heat stage if you have them.
Wiring matters. Some thermostats need a common wire to power their displays and wireless features. If your wall has no common wire, an installer can add one or use another approach to get reliable power.
Vortech installs thermostats for homes in Glendale, Peoria, Sun City, Sun City West and Surprise, and checks wiring and compatibility so the new control matches the system it runs.
Why does my house feel cold even when the thermostat says it is warm?
A house feels cold at the setpoint when airflow is weak, the thermostat reads the wrong temperature, or the heat cycles too briefly. Drafty windows, leaky ducts and the thermostat sitting near a vent or a sunny wall all play a part.
Try replacing the filter and making sure vents are open and unblocked. Furniture over a floor register can cut airflow enough to leave a room noticeably colder than the rest of the house.
If comfort still does not match the number on the display, the thermostat location, duct leaks or the equipment itself may need to be checked by a technician.
More questions: Thermostats: 12 Most Asked Questions Answered