Thermostat Tips for Changing Seasons

Five ways to keep your home running smoothly as the seasons change.

Using a Wi-Fi thermostat effectively during winter can help you stay comfortable while also managing your energy consumption. Here are five tips to get the most out of your Wi-Fi thermostat during the colder months:

 

1. **Set Up a Winter Schedule:** Adjust your thermostat’s schedule to align with your winter routine. Don’t forget about daylight savings! Lower the temperature when you’re not home or while you’re sleeping, and set it to warm up before you wake up or return home. This helps save energy without sacrificing comfort.

 

2. **Use Smart Features:** Take advantage of features like geofencing and learning algorithms. Geofencing can adjust the temperature based on your location, ensuring the house is comfortable when you arrive. Learning algorithms adapt to your habits and adjust settings for optimal comfort and efficiency.

 

3. **Maintain Consistent Temperatures:** Avoid making drastic temperature changes. Rapid shifts can lead to higher energy consumption and less comfort. Instead, maintain a consistent, moderate temperature to keep your home comfortable and efficient.

 

4. **Monitor and Adjust Humidity:** Some smart thermostats can monitor humidity levels. Proper humidity can make lower temperatures feel warmer and prevent issues like dry skin and static electricity. Make adjustments and consider using a humidifier if your thermostat has that capability. If you have wood floors or a wood burning fireplace, you’ll need to pay extra attention to your humidity levels.

 

5. **Change Batteries and Update Firmware:** Even if your system is hard wired (many aren’t) it is a good idea to change batteries at the same time as your smoke detector batteries. Regularly check for firmware updates for your thermostat. Manufacturers often release updates that can improve performance, add new features, or fix bugs.

By utilizing these tips, you can enhance the performance of your Wi-Fi thermostat, keep your home cozy, and manage your energy use effectively during the winter months. And don’t forget to change your furnace and humidifier filters regularly!

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Andrea Finck, Certified Home Watch Professional is the owner of Home Watch Madison, Madison and Dane County’s only Accredited & Certified Home Watch Provider. She is also an After Loss Professional and Professional Feng Shui Consultant.

Contact andrea@homewatchmadison for more information.

Home Watch Madison is a proud member of the @National Home Watch Association.