As the weather turns colder, ensuring your thermostat is ready for the season is crucial for maintaining comfort and efficiency in your home. KCA Services, serving Boerne, San Antonio, Bulverde, Comfort, Bandera, and Helotes, and the surrounding areas, shares some essential tips to help get your thermostat prepared for winter.

1. Switch to Heating Mode

The first thing you need to do is ensure that your thermostat is set to ‘Heat’ mode rather than ‘Cool’ mode. This ensures that your system is properly working to heat your home.

Expert Tip: Test your thermostat by increasing the temperature slightly to ensure your heating system kicks on properly.

2. Program Your Thermostat for Energy Savings

If you have a programmable thermostat, now’s the time to set it for energy-efficient heating. Lower your thermostat when you’re away or asleep and increase it when you’re home. This simple adjustment can help you save on energy bills without compromising comfort.

Expert Tip: Set your thermostat to 68°F when you’re home and awake, and lower it when you’re away or sleeping.

3. Replace the Batteries

Thermostats with battery-operated functions should have their batteries replaced before the heating season. This ensures your system will work without interruptions and avoids sudden breakdowns.

Expert Tip: Replace the batteries annually, or at the start of every heating season, to ensure reliability.

4. Clean Your Thermostat

Dust and dirt can accumulate on your thermostat, affecting its ability to regulate temperatures correctly. Cleaning the surface with a soft, dry cloth helps maintain its accuracy and performance.

Expert Tip: Be gentle when cleaning, and avoid using water or cleaning chemicals, which can damage the internal components.

5. Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat

If your thermostat is outdated, consider upgrading to a smart thermostat. Smart thermostats can learn your schedule, adjust the temperature based on your habits, and help you save energy by automatically adjusting temperatures when you’re away.

Expert Tip: Smart thermostats can be controlled remotely via an app, allowing you to adjust your home’s temperature from anywhere for maximum efficiency.

6. Calibrate Your Thermostat

If your thermostat is reading temperatures inaccurately, it might need recalibration. A professional can calibrate your thermostat, ensuring it keeps your home at the perfect temperature without unnecessary fluctuations.

Expert Tip: If your thermostat is more than 10 years old, it may be time to replace it to ensure better temperature control and energy efficiency.

Get Your Thermostat Winter-Ready Today

Properly preparing your thermostat for winter is key to maintaining comfort and energy efficiency throughout the colder months. For thermostat maintenance, upgrades, or repairs, KCA Services is here to help. Contact us at (210) 675-8366 or click here to schedule an appointment and get your thermostat ready for the winter season.