How long is your HVAC system supposed to run in order to heat or cool your home? If it runs for too long, or not long enough, it wastes energy and can wear out. How do you keep it under control? Here’s how you can use a smart thermostat to help you with setting HVAC cycles and saving energy.
Cycles Per Hour
The amount of time your HVAC system runs is called a cycle. It runs for a few minutes, until your house reaches your ideal temperature, then turns off for a few minutes. Your HVAC system should be running around two or three cycles — of around 10 to 15 minutes each — per hour.
The higher you set your thermostat during the winter, or the lower you set it in the summer, the longer each cycle will be, as it will take extra time to reach your ideal temperature. The longer your cycles are, or the more shorter cycles per hour you run, the more energy you use.
Setting HVAC Cycles with a Smart Thermostat
If you’re concerned about the number of cycles per hour your system is running, you might consider a smart thermostat. Operated from your smartphone, it gives you more control over your HVAC preferences than you’ve ever had before. It can monitor your energy use, sense when you’ve entered or left the house, and perform a host of other tasks, including setting HVAC cycles.
Some thermostats will let you set the specific number of cycles per hour you want, while others will simply have settings for “Fast,” “Slow,” and “Medium.” Medium is probably what you want, but test it out to see what works in your home.
If your home isn’t getting comfortable with two to three cycles per hour, there may be a problem with your system. It might need a tuneup, or it could be the wrong size for your home. Call an HVAC technician to take a look.
To learn more about setting HVAC cycles to save energy in your home, contact us at Ace Hardware Home Services. We proudly serve the Dayton area’s home-comfort needs.
