You'll be happy to hear that HVAC experts say there are some ways to use timers and sensors to save on energy costs. A big bill is no fun and often spoils the joy of making yourself comfortable in your luxurious home – but don't worry, there is a solution.
From knowing your thermostat's winter setting to pairing your heater with timers and sensors, you can save a few bucks this season.
HVAC experts tell us what you can do with timers and sensors around your home and how it affects your wallet and your space.
How to use timers and sensors to save on bills
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Investing in a smart thermostat, along with a few other handy tricks, could be just what you need when it comes to saving money on your bills. Kelly Russum, owner of KC's 23 ½ Hour Plumbing & Air Conditioning and HVAC Expert, says a programmable thermostat is one of the best investments you can make. We like this smart thermostat from Amazon that's just $79.99.
Kelly says: 'Set your heating to around 18°C at night and increase it to 20°C about 30 minutes before you wake up – this saves a lot of energy but is still comfortable. When you are at work or.” Stay outside during the day, allowing the temperature to drop to 18-18°C in winter or rise to 30-27°C in summer.
“Many people make the mistake of turning off their air conditioning completely when they go away for a short period of time, like 30 minutes to an hour, because they think it will save them money,” explains Kelly. “In reality, the system works harder to restore the desired temperature and you end up spending more.”
You should also look out for “additional devices” such as heaters and ceiling fans, says the expert, as these can make a big difference when combined with timers or sensors. Kelly adds: “Space heaters are notorious energy hogs, so it’s important to plug them into a timed smart socket. For example, run a space heater in a home office only during work hours and turn it off automatically at night.”
Kelly continues: “Pairing ceiling fans with sensors is another great idea. People often think that constantly running a fan will help cool a room, but that's only true if someone is there to feel the airflow, and it's simply a waste of energy if the room is empty. Motion sensors can turn off the fans when the room is empty, saving unnecessary electricity.”
Finally, if you have whole-house fans or dehumidifiers, Kelly recommends running them during off-peak hours, such as early morning or late evening, to get lower electricity rates. Look, there are a few benefits of a dehumidifier that you should look for.
Do timers use a lot of electricity?
(Image credit: Elizabeth Nielsen. Design: Lundstrom Interiors)
According to Kelly, “Timers use very little power, typically less than 1 watt per hour, adding about $0.15 to $0.60 per month to your electric bill, even with multiple timers. That's nothing compared to the energy you can save by turning off air conditioners and heaters when you don't need them.
He continues, “A typical home may require three to six timers for HVAC systems and additional devices, such as a programmable thermostat for the central HVAC and timers for space heaters or ceiling fans. Simple plug-in timers cost $10 to $20 each. and the cost of a programmable thermostat starts at $50.”
You can find many programmable thermostats at various retailers. For example, this Honeywell Home RTH7600D 7-Day Programmable Touch Screen Thermostat from Amazon is just $57.93. People are also currently loving this Honeywell Home 1-Week Programmable Thermostat from Target.
FAQs
What are timers and sensors for?
“Homeowners primarily install timers and sensors to reduce energy waste and pay less on bills,” says Kelly.
However, the expert says timers and sensors not only reduce energy consumption and lower your bills, but also reduce the risk of fire and extend the life of your appliances.