All About Using a Thermostat in Your Loveland Home
July 18, 2023
When you were young, the adults in your household may have exclaimed, “Don’t touch the thermostat!” Well, the joke’s on them because now you’re not exactly sure how to use the thermostat in your house. This confusion is common because there are so many types of thermostats, and the one in your Loveland, CO home could be ancient or modern (and “smart”).
This thermostat guide covers the basics and the details you need to keep your home at the perfect temperature.
How to Use a Thermostat
If you set the thermostat to the temperature you want to maintain in your home, your HVAC system will do the rest of the work. But there are a few options to know about. There are buttons, switches, or touchscreen areas for choosing “modes,” including cooling, heating, or fan-only. Some thermostats have programmable or smart automation features, too. These options are handy for saving energy when you’re out of the house, when you’re sleeping, or when the exterior temperature changes.
Finally, two often-overlooked tips for using a thermostat properly are getting timely thermostat repairs and keeping your HVAC system maintained so it doesn’t overwork.
The following guidelines should get you on the right track to mastering your thermostat. If you need more guidance, check your thermostat manual for answers.
Determine Your Type of Thermostat
There are non-programmable, programmable, and smart thermostats.
Most non-programmable thermostats have a large dial that turns. The temperature you’re setting your HVAC to is indicated by numbers printed around the dial. If yours doesn’t look like that, you might have an older non-programmable model with levers that control radio-like sliders.
Most programmable thermostats have buttons instead of a dial, and they may have a small digital display too.
Smart thermostats typically have a small touchscreen or digital display. Older types are Wi-Fi-enabled but are mostly manual because they don’t “learn” about your lifestyle. Newer types of smart thermostats monitor when you’re home and what your preferences are and adjust accordingly using multiple sensors.
Know which type you have? Time to use it with confidence!
Learn How to Use Each Type of Thermostat
How to use a dial thermostat (non-programmable): Start by setting the mode switch to “heat” or “cool.” Then turn the dial to the temperature you desire.
How to use an old thermostat without the dial (non-programmable): Set the mode switch (if present) to “heat” or “cool.” Then set the temperature. Older thermostat models are diverse in design, so you’ll need to find the knob or lever that controls the temperature slider or selector. Some old thermostats have a knob on the front that actually can’t be turned; if yours is like this, that knob is just a thermometer showing the current temperature, and the temperature selector is on the side of the unit.
How to use a programmable thermostat: First, go to the digital display and check the unit’s Day/Time for accuracy. Adjust if needed by clicking the Day and Time buttons and using the arrow buttons to change the numbers. Next, use the thermostat Schedule button to pick start and end times for a period, and the temperature to set for that period. Set up as many different scheduled periods as you’d like.
How to use a smart thermostat: Smart thermostats are set up with a smartphone app, which you can use to control the thermostat if you wish. Most models also allow you to adjust the thermostat with a touchscreen or with voice commands using a system like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant.
Turning It On or Off
How to set a thermostat: To turn it on, choose an active mode such as “heat” or “cool.” Set the temperature selector to the desired temperature or rely on your scheduled routines. You’re done!
How to turn off the thermostat: Look for an “off” mode that you can select with a switch or button. Smart models can be turned off with a mobile app, a voice command, or the touchscreen. Keep in mind, you don’t necessarily need to turn a thermostat off if you have it set correctly. For example, if you leave it in “heat” mode set to 50 degrees Fahrenheit, it will remain “off” if the temperature stays above 50.
Setting the fan. You can increase your indoor airflow by setting the fan to “on.” Otherwise, setting the fan to “auto” means it only runs when blowing hot or cold air through your vents and into your home.
FAQs About Changing Thermostat Settings
Should I turn my thermostat off when I’m not home?
If you’re going away for an extended period during cold months, it’s best to set the thermostat about 10 to 15 degrees Fahrenheit lower than you would normally set it. Don’t turn it off, or your pipes might freeze. In warm months, you may consider turning the thermostat off when you’re away for a while, but keep in mind that it will take a lot of energy to cool the house again when you return. Ultimately, it’s more energy efficient to leave the thermostat on but set it so it won’t work too hard while you’re away.
How do I turn off “HOLD” on a thermostat?
Depending on the model, you’ll need to either turn on the “run” setting or find the “hold” setting and click Cancel.
When should I use the fan on my thermostat?
Use the fan on your thermostat when you want better airflow to reduce warm and cool spots throughout your home. Setting your fan to “on” can help redistribute warm or cool air within your home or circulate air when you have the windows open. Otherwise, your fan should mostly be set to “auto,” to keep it from running constantly.
When should I use emergency heat on my thermostat?
Emergency heat is a feature of heat pump systems that keeps your home warm when the outdoor temperatures are too cold for the system to perform at peak efficiency. Most thermostat systems will automatically turn on this setting when needed, so you don’t need to worry about manually flipping a switch. Check your owner’s manual just in case.