Does Changing Your Thermostat Settings Often Drive Up Energy Use?

Homeowning couple check energy bill after adjusting thermostat settings.

It’s easy to adjust your thermostat settings when you experience some discomfort or when the weather suddenly changes. But if you adjust them too frequently, you might actually be driving up your energy usage—those constant adjustments could be making it harder for your systems to keep up with your needs. River City Heating and Air Conditioning explains why constantly changing your thermostat settings may pose a problem in our blog. Call us with questions at 507-454-7689.

Why Changing Your Thermostat Settings Often Isn’t Efficient

1. Constant Adjustments Use Energy

One of the main reasons it doesn’t make sense to frequently change your home’s thermostat settings is because your HVAC systems have to expend more energy to constantly maintain the new temperatures you’ve set. It’s easier for your system to maintain a baseline temperature than to continuously go a few degrees in either direction.

One easy way to manage your daily temperature schedule is by installing a programmable or Wi-Fi thermostat. These devices enable you to create specific programs and schedules based on your preferences and habits. They’ll help you spend less time thinking about your home temperature and more time enjoying it.

2. Changing Your Thermostat Settings Increases Wear

Your thermostat, furnace, and air conditioner are like any other appliances in your house. The more they’re used, the more wear and tear they sustain. So if you’re constantly tinkering with your thermostat, you’re forcing those systems to cycle on and off, increasing usage and overall system stress. This can lead to more maintenance, repairs, and a quicker need for replacement.

Installing a smart thermostat is one way to help alleviate this problem. These thermostats know how to automatically adjust temperatures at the right time to maintain comfort and efficiency—taking away the guesswork for you.

3. Frequent Updates Can Make You Feel More Uncomfortable

It sounds counterintuitive, but by constantly changing your thermostat settings, you may actually make the discomfort worse. That’s because it takes time for your system to make the temperature adjustment. Those frequent changes can also affect your home’s humidity levels, making them either too high or low. A more consistent temperature is key to both comfort and efficiency.

Maintain the Perfect Temperature Settings With River City

River City offers all the home comfort solutions your family needs to stay comfortable year-round. From air conditioners and furnaces to indoor air quality and humidification systems, we install and service it all. Let our team help you tackle your comfort concerns. Call us at 507-454-7689 or contact us online.