Spring is here, which means warmer weather, which means turning back on your air conditioning. You might not know you need ac maintenance until you turn it on for the first time since October, but we have some tips on how to keep your air conditioner running smoothly from now until the end of the summer months.

With around 87% of American homes having air conditioning, it’s important to keep up with your ac maintenance. As a homeowner, you don’t want the first 75-degree day to be the day that you realize your ac unit is out.

One of the first things you should do to prepare for warmer weather is to change your air filter. Your furnace might have been working overtime this winter to keep up with the frigid temps, so switching out the old, dusty filter for a brand new one will drastically help keep up with your ac maintenance.

By giving your thermostat a set base temperature, your air conditioner unit won’t be working overtime in the hotter months. Finding a comfortable temp and keeping it there will reduce the wear of your air conditioner unit. It’ll also save you money in the long run: you could potentially save up to $180 a year just by adjusting your thermostat to a base temp while you are away from your home or asleep at night.

If you’re looking to save money this spring and summer, our heating and cooling company can help with high-efficiency air conditioning installation. High-efficiency air conditioners can end up reducing energy use by anywhere from 20 to 50%.

If you need ac maintenance, don’t wait until it’s too late, contact Home Comfort Experts now to check out your ac unit and see if it can handle this year’s Midwest summer. The current temperatures may seem far off from using your air conditioner, but we can make sure you’re ready for when that day comes!

Contact our heating professionals at Home Comfort Experts today to learn about our services. We serve Northern Indiana and Southwest Michigan from our 12 locations. Give us a call at (574) 255-4600 to learn about our full complement of heating, cooling, and plumbing services.

 

As the seasons change, it’s important to ensure that your thermostat is working properly and adapting to the weather. Did you know that you can save hundreds of dollars annually by choosing the right thermostat and programming it properly? For such little work, you’re saving quite a bit of money. Along with saving money, you’ll decrease your energy consumption, which is beneficial for our planet.

Programmable thermostats automatically warm or cool the house to the proper comfort level, depending upon whether you’re home or at work and awake or asleep. For most people, this means using less heating or cooling when you’re asleep or out of the house than you would if you were awake or at home.

Programming your thermostat means that your device will be designed around your schedule, house size, and personal preferences. This can help you get the most out of your thermostat, providing many benefits for you and your family. Take the time to find the right unit and reach out to a professional technician who can make the best recommendation for you.

4 Thermostat Programming Options to Consider

There are four major types of programmable thermostats. Some are tailored for specific heating or cooling systems, while others offer features like Wi-Fi connectivity for remote control. Understanding these differences can help you choose the right programmable thermostat for your home comfort.

1. 1-Week Programming

Programmable thermostats come in various styles, each designed to suit different needs and preferences. One common type features a consistent program for each day of the week, simplifying the programming process. While it's the easiest to set up, this model may provide less automatic energy savings as it doesn't adapt to varying schedules on different days.

Nevertheless, like all programmable thermostats, you retain the flexibility to override the programmed settings at any time, allowing you to manually adjust the temperature to match your immediate comfort requirements. If you're unsure how to program a digital thermostat, reach out to a professional.

2. 5-2 Programming

This style of programmable thermostat operates on a dual-program system, accommodating both the typical five-day workweek and the two-day weekend. If your schedule follows the conventional workweek and your weekend activities on Saturday and Sunday mirror each other, this thermostat is an ideal fit.

With separate settings for weekdays and weekends, it provides flexibility to optimize your home's climate control based on your routine, ensuring comfort and energy efficiency.

3. 5-1-1 Programming

Tailored for a typical work week, this type of thermostat offers one program for the five weekdays. Additionally, it recognizes the unique scheduling needs of the weekend, featuring separate programs for Saturday and Sunday.

This flexibility allows users to efficiently manage and customize temperature settings based on their daily routines, optimizing both comfort and energy efficiency in their homes.

4. 7-Day Programming

This type of programming allows you to set a different temperature pattern for every day of the week. For many families who have different schedules every day, this type of thermostat offers the most convenience and energy savings, although it does require a little more time to program.

With all of these options, it’s beneficial to speak to a specialist who knows how to install a programmable thermostat to your specifications.

Thermostat Tips to Save Money

Each of the four types of programmable thermostats offers at least four set times during the day: wake time, sleep time, leave time, and return time.

If you follow these tips to drive energy savings, you can save an average of 15 percent off your yearly costs:

As a general rule of thumb, to maximize efficiency, you can turn your furnace temperature down or your air conditioner up one degree for every hour you are asleep or away, with the minimum being two hours or degrees and the maximum being eight hours or degrees. Less than two hours and it won’t save energy, and more than eight and you will waste efficiency when the system has to work too hard to get back to a comfortable temperature.

Our team at Home Comfort Experts knows how to program a thermostat for homeowners in Northern Indiana and Southwest Michigan. If you’re looking for advice on the right unit for your home, contact us today to speak with one of our knowledgeable technicians.

The average household spends more than $2,000 a year on energy bills. Half of that cost is allotted to your heating and cooling system so you and your family can remain comfortable and safe throughout the entire year. While ACs and furnaces are necessary systems to have in your home, if you properly program your thermostat, you can probably save more than $200 a year.

Programmable thermostats didn’t replace old dial thermostats simply because they look better. These modern devices became popular because of their advanced technology and ability to provide your home with accurate temperature readings that fit your schedule. These capabilities lead to enhanced indoor comfort and lower monthly energy bills.

By taking the time to learn how your style of thermostat works and programming it to your specifications, you can quickly begin to see positive changes in your indoor air quality and your energy bills.

How Do You Know If Your House Thermostat Is Bad?

Before learning how to set a thermostat to save money, it’s essential to learn the signs of a malfunctioning thermostat. If you notice any of the following signs in your home, you may need to reprogram your thermostat:

How to Program a Thermostat to Save Money

If you have been messing around with the settings on your thermostat and then start to notice hikes in your energy bills, your adjustments may be affecting the cost. To enhance your comfort while saving money, it’s important that you learn how to set your thermostat to save money.

Get Out the Manual

Before anything else, take a moment to consult your thermostat's manual for valuable insights on how to properly program your thermostat to maximize energy savings. In case you've misplaced the manual, head to the manufacturer's website, where you can conveniently download an electronic version tailored to your specific thermostat model.

This simple step ensures you harness the full potential of your thermostat's features, allowing you to make informed adjustments that contribute to long-term energy and cost savings.

Schedule the Thermostat

One of the best thermostat money-saving tips is to schedule the device to your family’s needs. Consider your family’s schedule and comfort preferences when programming your thermostat. Most programmable thermostats offer diverse temperature settings for various times of the day. For instance, you can establish different settings for the morning, during the work day, and at night.

Once set, avoid unnecessary adjustments. Overriding the programmed settings not only wastes energy but also negatively impacts your budget. Begin with the recommended energy-saving temperature settings as a baseline. Once you understand how the device works, customize the overall settings to align with your family’s specific needs for optimal comfort and efficiency.

By strategically adjusting and implementing these settings based on your family’s routine, you can significantly enhance your energy savings while maintaining a comfortable home environment.

Don’t Change Your Settings

Once you’ve programmed your thermostat, avoid the temptation to override its temperature settings. Homeowners often fall into the trap of overriding pre-programmed temperature settings, leading to increased energy bills and less reliability for comfort in their homes. By maintaining consistency and trusting your thermostat's programming, you can save big without sacrificing comfort.

Cash in on Comfort

Raising or lowering your thermostat to extreme temperatures won’t heat or cool your home faster. It just makes your HVAC system work harder. When a programmable thermostat is used properly, your home is always at a comfortable temperature.

Check Your Batteries

If all else fails, make sure you check your thermostat’s batteries. Not all programmable thermostats alert you when you need to change the batteries, so it’s best practice to change them once a year. If your thermostat has weak or dead batteries, it will be more likely to malfunction, leading to unreliable temperature readings and hiked energy bills.

Do you need help choosing and programming a thermostat to fit your home’s needs? Our HVAC technicians at Home Comfort Experts can help you determine the best solution for your heating and cooling needs.

Contact us today when you need programmable thermostat tips in Northern Indiana and Southwestern Michigan, and speak to one of our many knowledgeable professionals.

A programmable thermostat is a easy and effective way to control your home’s heating and cooling system.

Not only will it maintain your family's comfort throughout the day and night: it will reduce your energy usage, shrink your carbon footprint, and save you money.

Programmable thermostats can be set to automatically increase and reduce the temperature in a home on a schedule that you determine. They vary in features and complexity, but even the simplest allow you to automatically adjust your heating and air conditioning systems based on when they are needed during the day.

For example, during the hot summer months, you don’t need to run the A/C when you’re at work and no one is at home, but you do want it to turn on in time to cool the house before you get home. (Most homes take only 20 to 30 minutes to cool down to a comfortable level on a hot day. That’s a big saving compared to running it for the nine hours you’re at work.) Likewise, when the weather is cold, you can allow the home to get fairly cool when you’re not around, and again when you’re ready for bed and about to crawl under the blankets, but have it nice and warm when you get up in the morning and again you get home from work.

Slightly more sophisticated units can be programmed for more than just a daily schedule, to accommodate your regular weekly activities. Some offer what’s known as a 5-2 schedule, with one program for the five workdays and another for the two weekend days. Others offer 5-1-1 programming, with one schedule for the work week and separate schedules for Saturday and Sunday. And some allow you to program every day of the week independently, to accommodate whatever kind of crazy schedule your family runs on. If you like to sleep late on weekends, stay up late on Friday or Saturday night, have your friends over for televised sports every Sunday afternoon, and work late on Wednesdays, you can program your thermostat to control the home’s temperature accordingly.

There are plenty more options, and new programmable thermostats are available with remote sensors, internet connectivity, WiFi, and other advanced features, but they all offer automated control of the home’s temperature with hands-off convenience. You don’t have to remember to turn the heat or A/C down when you leave for work or turn in for sleep. The thermostat makes the adjustments for you, so it saves you some hassle, reduces strain on your overworked memory banks (no more “Did I remember to turn down the A/C?” when you’re halfway to work), and reduces your energy consumption – especially during those times when you do forget to turn the system down before leaving the home.

Many families reduce their heating and cooling energy consumption by 15 percent per year with a programmable thermostat. Since Indiana is the ninth most expensive state for energy, that means substantial savings right away. In essence, a programmable thermostat will pay for itself in short order, while simultaneously benefitting the environment.

Read more about programming your thermostat for savings. And for even more money- and energy-saving tips, be sure to visit our blog often.

For personal advice on saving energy and keeping your Indiana home comfortable year-round, contact Home Comfort Experts. We service Northern Indiana and Southwest Michigan from LaPorte to Fort Wayne, from St. Joseph, MI, to Rochester, IN. To learn how we can help with all of your HVAC and plumbing needs, contact us today for an appointment.

Vacationing? Set Your Thermostat For Savings and Comfort - Home Comfort ExpertsIf you’re going on a vacation, save money by adjusting your thermostat before you leave. You might think turning off your air conditioner is the best idea-but your home can suffer. A better plan is to turn the temperature up a few degrees.

Keeping Your Home Safe

If you have pets in the home and they won’t be traveling with you, keeping the air conditioning on is a must. They can live comfortably in a warm temperature but when the outside tops 90 degrees, your home becomes an oven, often driving temperatures into the triple digits. Setting your thermostat four or five degrees higher is sufficient.

Shutting off your air conditioner completely will wreak havoc in your home. Sustained heat and humidity will warp drywall and wood and your wallpaper will start to peel around the edges. The heat can also affect valuables such as artwork, documents, and sensitive electronics. If you raise your thermostat you may want to move these valuables to a cooler, less humid area.

Setting your thermostat to 85 degrees is optimal for savings and efficiency but sometimes Midwest humidity will make your home too steamy. For the best comfort, consider keeping it a few degrees cooler, protecting your home, pets and valuables.

Coming Home to Comfort

The major downside to adjusting your thermostat for vacation is you will come home to a hot house. However, depending on the type of thermostat you have, when you’re on your way, you may be able to get your home cool just in time.

Most programmable thermostats can be set for a high temperature when you’re gone and gradually move to a lower temperature before you return. Keep in mind that larger homes take longer to cool and not all air conditioning systems cool air at the same rate. For most homes, you’ll want to start cooling at least two hours before you come home.

If you don’t have a programmable thermostat or are considering upgrading to a smart thermostat, contact a Home Comfort Experts technician today! We’re happy to answer questions or offer expert advice to our customers.

Don’t let your Northern Indiana or Southwest Michigan home suck money from your wallet while you’re on summer vacation this year. Follow these three tips from Home Comfort Experts before you head out of town.

Close the Blinds for Efficiency

Don’t make your AC system work any harder than it has to while you’re away. The harder your air conditioner has to work to stay at a steady temperature, the more energy it has to use, and the more money it’s costing you. One way to make sure your air conditioner will continue working efficiently is to close all the blinds and drapes in your home. This trick can help prevent solar gain {heat energy from the sun’s rays, which can heat up your home when the blinds are open). Government studies show medium-colored blinds or draperies with white plastic backings can reduce heat gain by 33%. Not to mention, keeping your blinds closed while you’re away is also a good security measure so strangers or burglars can’t see into your home.

Tweak the Thermostat

By just adjusting the dial on your thermostat instead of turning it off, you will avoid a host of problems when you return home. If you turn off your AC all together, you will return to a stale and sticky home, which can cause furniture and walls to absorb moisture and humidity. This can also tax your system even more when you get home and turn the air conditioning back on. And if that heat and humidity seeps into your refrigerator, it will also have to work harder to keep your food cool, and cost you more money. For every degree a thermostat is raised during the summer, you can save 2-3 percent of your electricity bill.  Ask your Home Comfort Expert technician how much they recommend you adjust your thermostat while you’re away on vacation. And be sure to use your programmable thermostat if you have one. You can adjust the temperature by date. That means you can come back to a comfortable home the day you return.

Power Down & Turn Off Electronics

Make sure you don’t waste energy by keeping your electronic devices, lamps, etc., turned on or plugged into the outlets in your home. Unless these devices serve a security purpose, unplug everything. Even if electronics are turned off, they can still suck energy if they are plugged into an outlet, wasting your money. If you need to keep some lights on for security purposes, make sure to install compact fluorescent bulbs, which are more energy efficient and last longer than regular bulbs. An added benefit to unplugging electronics is that if there is a storm while you’re gone, they are protected from any power surges.

For more air conditioning tips or services, call the Home Comfort Experts.

Want to get the most out of your home’s air conditioner? Home Comfort Experts put together our best money and energy-saving tips for homeowners. Whether you live in the greater South Bend area or Niles, Michigan, keep your home cool and comfortable this summer by following these steps.

Schedule a Tune-Up for Your HVAC System

Have you had an AC tune-up this year? If not, now is the time to schedule one with Home Comfort Experts. Regular tune-ups can keep your system working more efficiently, help prevent breakdowns, prolong the life of your system, and save you money. It’s good insurance to get the maintenance now, before your air conditioner breaks down in the middle of the summer.

Freshen Up Furnace Filters

Furnace filters are a first line of defense for your home. They screen out dust, pollen, and pollutants from the air. Once the filters are overloaded with gunk, they are no longer doing their job to protect your family from the elements, and this is especially important if anyone in your family has asthma or allergies. Clean filters are also going to save you money. Clogged filters restrict the airflow, putting added strain on your heating and air conditioning system’s fan motor. The harder your system has to work, the more energy it’s eating up, and the more money it will cost you. It’s important to clean filters or replace them every couple of months.

Adjust Your Thermostat to Save More

Adjusting your thermostat is a great alternative to turning your AC system off altogether. Instead, turn up your thermostat 7 to 10 degrees when you’re not home. Another great way to save is to keep your air conditioner somewhere between 75 and 78 degrees at all times. All this can save you up to 10 percent on your annual heating and cooling bills.

For more money and energy saving tips when it comes to your air conditioner, read our blog post on The Biggest Air Conditioning Mistakes Most Homeowners Make.

Make Your Fans Work for You

Ceiling fans can be a great money saver in the warmer months. They can supplement your air conditioner set at a higher temperature, and still make a room feel eight degrees cooler. Make sure to adjust your fans to spin counter clockwise, so it creates a downdraft of cool air.

To save even more this season, check out our Special Offers on our website.

To keep your family comfortable this season, call the Home Comfort Experts.

As the seasons change and the weather fluctuates, ensuring the optimal comfort and efficiency of your home's heating and cooling system becomes paramount. One critical component that you need to take note of is the thermostat. When it comes to heat pump systems, selecting the right thermostat is even more crucial, as it plays a pivotal role in controlling the energy-saving potential of these systems.

Let’s explore the factors to consider and the options available to help you choose the best thermostat for your heat pump, ultimately maximizing both your comfort and energy savings.

What Are Heat Pumps?

Heat pumps are devices that can both warm and cool your home. They work by moving heat from one place to another, either inside or outside your house. In winter, they take heat from the outdoors and bring it inside to make your home warm. In summer, they do the opposite, taking heat from the inside and sending it outside to keep your home cool. Heat pumps are energy-efficient and an eco-friendly choice for heating and cooling.

To boost their efficiency, consider using a heat pump thermostat equipped with programmable features. It's important to steer clear of using a programmable thermostat intended for traditional furnaces and air conditioners, as this won't optimize the performance of your heat pump.

What Is the Best Thermostat for a Heat Pump?

Depending on your family’s specific needs and home size, you could benefit from having either a programmable thermostat or a smart, digital thermostat. If you need help selecting the right model and style of thermostat for your HVAC system, take the time to research the various models out there and how they work with heat pumps.

Programmable Thermostats for Heat Pump

In general, programmable thermostats allow you to program temperatures based on your needs and schedule. The temperature can be lowered at night or when everyone is out of the house, or raised during the day or when everyone is at home. This significantly reduces your household’s energy usage without sacrificing home comfort.

The problem with using traditional programmable thermostats with heat pumps is that heat pumps take longer to recover from setback temperatures. That prompts the unit’s backup heating or cooling source to kick in to reach your desired temperature in time. In many cases, that secondary source is more expensive to run, thereby negating any savings gained by setting back the temperature.

Digital Thermostats for Heat Pump

Digital thermostats, also known as smart thermostats, are designed specifically for use with heat pumps and can automatically adjust your heating and cooling levels without needing to tap into the secondary source. This process, known as adaptive intelligent recovery, switches on the heat pump to heat or cool your home by the time you’re awake or home.

Heat pump thermostats tell heat pumps to run constantly until the desired temperature is reached. This avoids using costly secondary heating and cooling sources while giving you the temperature control you need.

Contact Our Thermostat Installers Today

Whether you are in need of a programmable or digital thermostat, our team at Home Comfort Experts is here to help you create a comfortable and energy-efficient heating and cooling system for your home. We can help you select a heat pump that meets your home’s needs, your budget, and fits perfectly with your system.

Contact us at Home Comfort Experts or call us at (574) 498-7017 to learn more about heat pumps, as well as how to get the most out of your thermostat and overall system. We prioritize your comfort and budget, so trust that we’ll find the best solution for you and your family.

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