When it comes to reducing your energy bills and maintaining year-round comfort, your thermostat plays a far bigger role than you might realise. Setting it correctly not only helps keep your home at a comfortable temperature but also ensures your heating and cooling systems operate efficiently, saving you money in the long run.
In Melbourne’s temperamental climate, where mornings can be chilly and afternoons warm even in autumn or spring, it’s important to find thermostat settings that strike the right balance between comfort and efficiency.
This guide explains how to choose the best thermostat settings for efficiency in your home, the benefits of optimising your system, and how smart controls can take your comfort and savings to the next level.
Your thermostat acts as the command centre for your entire heating and cooling system. It determines how hard your system works, how often it runs, and ultimately how much energy it consumes.
Even small changes can make a big difference. For every degree you adjust your thermostat closer to the outside temperature, you can save up to 10 per cent on energy usage. Over time, those savings can add up to hundreds of dollars each year.
Efficient thermostat settings also reduce unnecessary strain on your unit, extending its lifespan and reducing the likelihood of breakdowns. That means fewer service calls, less maintenance, and more consistent comfort.
Melbourne’s climate can be unpredictable. However, as a general rule, you can follow these temperature guidelines for optimal comfort and efficiency.
During summer, set your air conditioner to 24–26°C when you’re at home. Every degree lower than 24°C can increase your energy use by around 10 per cent. That’s why finding the highest temperature you’re comfortable with is key.
When you’re away from home, increase the setting to around 28°C or turn the system off entirely if you’ll be gone for several hours.
If you have a programmable or smart thermostat, you can schedule your cooling to start just before you return home so your space is comfortable without wasting energy during the day.
In winter, aim to keep your heating between 18–20°C while you’re at home. For every degree above 20°C, your energy use can increase by 5–10 per cent, which quickly adds up over the colder months.
When you’re out or asleep, reduce the temperature to around 16°C or use the ‘eco’ or ‘away’ setting on your thermostat. This small change prevents unnecessary heating when it’s not needed but still keeps your home from becoming uncomfortably cold.
Tailoring your thermostat settings to your daily routine can further improve efficiency.
This schedule helps your system work smarter, not harder, maintaining comfort while minimising energy waste.
If you’re still using a manual thermostat, it might be time to consider upgrading. Smart and programmable thermostats offer precision control and automation that make saving energy effortless.
Here’s how they can improve efficiency:
Tailored Heating and Cooling Solutions can help you choose and install the best smart thermostat to suit your system and lifestyle, ensuring you make the most of your investment.
Thermostat settings are just one piece of the puzzle. Combine them with these additional strategies for even greater energy savings:
With proper care and attention, your heating and cooling system can operate more efficiently and last longer, saving you money and reducing environmental impact.
Running your system too hot or too cold not only wastes energy but can also cause premature wear and tear. Compressors and fans have to work harder, increasing the risk of failure and leading to expensive repairs.
Additionally, extreme temperature differences between indoors and outdoors can cause your system to cycle frequently. As a result, you can potentially end up with inconsistent comfort levels and higher electricity bills.
By simply adjusting your thermostat to recommended settings and maintaining your system regularly, you can avoid these issues altogether.
Melbourne’s weather is famously changeable, four seasons in one day, as the saying goes. Because of this, flexibility is key.
During shoulder seasons like autumn and spring, take advantage of natural ventilation. Open windows when temperatures are mild, and use your thermostat sparingly. You might only need minimal heating in the mornings and evenings.
For added efficiency, make sure your thermostat is installed in a central location. Make sure it’s away from direct sunlight, draughts, and heat-producing appliances. These can all cause inaccurate readings and unnecessary system cycling.
Setting your thermostat for maximum efficiency is a smart move, but it’s just one part of creating a comfortable, energy-efficient home. Whether you’re upgrading your thermostat, servicing your ducted system, or designing a tailored heating and cooling solution for your new build, expert advice makes all the difference.
At Tailored Heating and Cooling Solutions, we specialise in helping Melbourne homeowners stay comfortable all year round while reducing energy costs. Our experienced technicians can assess your current system. Aside from that, we can recommend the right thermostat, and ensure your entire setup performs at its best.
Don’t leave comfort or savings to chance. Speak with the experts at Tailored Heating and Cooling Solutions today. Book your service now to optimise your thermostat settings, improve efficiency, and enjoy year-round comfort that’s perfectly tailored to your home.
Step into a world of ultimate comfort and unmatched energy savings with our custom-designed heating and cooling solutions. Take the first step towards a smarter, greener home—request your free, personalised quote today and embrace the Tailored Difference!
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