If you have problems with your heater or air conditioner, BVS can restore your home to comfort. Call (281) 809-6417 to see what our services can do for you.
If you’ve experienced energy bills that are higher than normal, you’re probably wondering, “Can a faulty thermostat cause high electric bills?” Keep reading to discover how BVS, the heating and air conditioning experts in Katy, answers this question. With excellent HVAC maintenance and repairs, we can help keep your electric bills low.
How the Thermostat Works
The thermostat works by sensing the ambient air around it and comparing it to the desired temperature you’ve set. If the ambient temperature is higher than the set temperature, it activates the air conditioner. When the thermostat senses the surrounding temperature matches the desired temperature, it shuts the AC unit off.
Ways Your Thermostat Causes High Energy Bills
Can a faulty thermostat cause high electric bills? Yes, and it’s usually caused by a malfunction with the device.
Whether you have a smart thermostat or the normal variety, as it ages, the sensor can lose its ability to accurately calibrate or sense the surrounding air.
Another common cause is setting your temperature too low, forcing your air conditioner to run constantly to maintain the temperature. In that case, the good news is the problem is an easy fix.
Keeping Your Energy Costs Low
One way you can keep your overall energy bills low is by upgrading your air conditioner or heat pump to a more modern and efficient model. A heat pump can both heat and cool, meaning it’s significantly more efficient than having both a furnace and an air conditioner.
However, reducing your electrical bills with minor adjustments to your thermostats is as easy as the following steps.
Set a Schedule
To keep your thermostat from running constantly, program it to only run while you’re home. You don’t need to maintain comfortable air when you’re at work or away, and doing so is a waste of money and energy.
Most thermostats come with the ability to program them; with a smart thermostat, you can easily program it from your phone and even change the temperature at will while you’re away.
When you’re at work, you can set the temperature significantly higher and set the air to start cooling your home about a half hour before you arrive home. If you’re going to be away for several days, set your thermostat high to keep your home just cool enough to be safe.
Perform an Energy Audit
To help determine why your energy bills are so high, you should know where most of your energy use occurs.
Smart thermostats can detect when energy usage is above average and can avoid running during those times. However, if you’re stuck with a normal thermostat, you can hire a professional to perform the audit.
During the audit, the inspector examines the building looking for places, like leaky windows, where you lose energy efficiency. They can help you find ways to reduce your energy consumption, increase your efficiency, and suggest repairs or upgrades to your home.
Reposition Your Thermostat
If your thermostat has problems sensing the temperature around it, it could be poorly placed in your home. Place your thermostat on an interior wall with heavy traffic. Placing it on an external wall causes the outdoor temperature to prevent accurate readings of your indoor conditions.
Furniture like bookshelves or decorations that reside too close to the thermostat can cause the sensors to malfunction. If you have a smart thermostat, make sure it’s within range of your Wi-Fi.
Optimize Your Settings
You can increase your energy efficiency by setting your thermostat to the most efficient temperatures. In the summer, keep your thermostat set at a balmy 78 degrees. If this seems too warm, use the following tips to keep the temperature bearable:
- Fans: Ceiling or box fans can reduce the temperature between seven and 10 degrees. They also help you feel cooler by utilizing your body’s natural evaporative cooling.
- Dehumidifiers: Humidity increases the discomfort of hot weather and can keep your body from cooling itself. Dehumidifiers can help keep your home feeling cooler without needing to run the air conditioner as often.
- Windows: If the outdoor temperature is moderate and not humid, keep your windows open and create a cross breeze. Add light- and heat-blocking window treatments and keep them closed during the day to reduce your home’s heat gain.
- Water: Harness your body’s evaporative cooling abilities by spritzing water on your neck, using wet wash clothes, and staying hydrated.
- Cool clothing: Wear light or sheer clothing to help your body stay cool.
In the winter, set your thermostat to 68 degrees and wear a sweater or cozy up in blankets.
Remove Surrounding Heat Sources
If your thermostat is near a lamp, space heater, computer, or appliance, it can throw off the thermostat’s ability to accurately read the temperature. Keep electronics away from your thermostat to ensure the most precise measurements and temperature control.
Upgrade or Replace It
Whether it’s from old age or severe damage, eventually, all thermostats require replacement. Thermostats have an average lifespan of 10 years, after which point you should start budgeting for a new one.
If you need a new thermostat, consider upgrading to a more modern version rather than replacing it with the same model. Smart thermostats offer a wealth of benefits and make controlling your temperature easy, even from a distance. With more precise control and an improved sensor, you’ll find it easier to keep your energy bills low.
Call BVS for All Your HVAC Needs
Can a faulty thermostat cause high electric bills? Yes, but now you know how to keep your energy bills lower. BVS can maintain your heating and cooling system so you save money over time.
Whether you need to check thermostat wires for power or need to upgrade your air conditioner BVS can help. Call (281) 809-6417 to book an appointment today.
Author Bio:
Ronald Via
Ronald is one of the key contributors to BVS Home Experts, a family-owned and operated full-service air conditioning and heating company serving the Katy and West Houston areas. With a deep understanding of air conditioning and heating concerns, Ronald brings a wealth of knowledge to our readers.
