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A thermostat is the “brain” of your home’s heating and cooling system. When it is used correctly, you save money, improve comfort, and extend the life of your HVAC equipment. However, many homeowners still struggle with the basic settings—especially with today’s smart thermostats. In this guide, we explain how to use your thermostat properly, when to adjust settings, and how to avoid common mistakes that lead to higher energy bills or unnecessary heating repair calls.

1. Understanding the Different Thermostat Types

Before learning how to use a thermostat, let’s quickly review the three most common styles found across Richmond Hill, Markham, Toronto, and the GTA.

1.1 Manual Thermostats

These are older models with a simple dial or slider. They work fine but are less efficient because you must adjust them by hand. If your home still has a manual thermostat, consider upgrading to a programmable or smart thermostat for better control and comfort.

1.2 Programmable Thermostats

These let you set automatic schedules. For example, you can program lower heat while you’re at work and increase it before you return home. They save 5–15% of your heating costs when used correctly.

1.3 Smart Thermostats

Smart thermostats—like Google Nest and Ecobee—learn your habits and adjust the temperature automatically. They can be controlled from your phone and can help reduce bills without much effort. If you’re thinking about upgrading, Alliance Energy Source offers financing available for most thermostat and cooling installation projects.

2. Setting the Right Temperature for Each Season

Choosing the right temperature is the easiest way to save money.

2.1 Winter Settings

The best setting recommended by energy experts is:

• 21°C (70°F) when you’re home
• 18–19°C (64–66°F) when sleeping or away

Every single degree lower can save up to 3% on your monthly bill.

2.2 Summer Settings

For cooling, the recommended setting is:

• 24–25°C (75–77°F) when home
• 26–27°C (79–81°F) when away

Avoid drastically lowering the temperature when you get home. It does not cool faster; it only forces your AC to run longer and may even cause AC repair issues like freezing coils.

3. How to Use a Thermostat the Right Way

This is where most homeowners make mistakes. Here’s the correct method to keep your home comfortable and your equipment healthy.

3.1 Avoid Constant Temperature Changes

Some people raise and lower the thermostat every hour. This stresses the system and wastes energy. Instead:

• Set a schedule
• Stick to it

If your home feels too warm or too cold often, you may need a furnace tune-up or furnace replacement evaluation.

3.2 Use the “Hold” Button Properly

The Hold feature freezes the temperature at one setting.

Use it only when:

• Hosting guests
• Staying home from work
• Going away for the weekend

Don’t use it daily; let your programmed schedule do the work.

3.3 Understand “Auto” vs. “On”

Your thermostat has two fan options:

• AUTO: fan runs only during heating or cooling → most efficient
• ON: fan runs 24/7 → improves air circulation, but increases hydro bill

Most homeowners should leave it on AUTO unless they have allergies or want even temperatures in multi-floor homes.

4. Using a Smart Thermostat for Maximum Comfort

Smart thermostats are becoming popular across the GTA because they offer strong energy savings. Here’s how to use them correctly.

4.1 Enable Eco Mode

This mode automatically lowers or raises the temperature when you’re away.

This alone saves 10–20% annually.

4.2 Turn On Geofencing

Your thermostat detects your phone’s location and adjusts your home temperature as you leave or return.

This prevents forgotten settings and unnecessary heating repair issues.

4.3 Let the Thermostat “Learn”

Most smart thermostats need 3–7 days to learn your schedule.

Avoid changing temperatures too frequently during this period.

If you need help installing a smart thermostat, Alliance Energy Source can send a licensed technician for same-day service.

5. Common Thermostat Mistakes That Cost You Money

Homeowners often do things that unknowingly increase bills or cause furnace problems.

5.1 Putting the Thermostat Near a Heat Source

If your thermostat is near a lamp, oven, or sunny window, it will read the wrong temperature and your system will overwork.

5.2 Setting the Temperature Too High or Too Low

Extreme temperatures increase wear and tear. This may lead to early furnace replacement or costly repairs.

5.3 Ignoring Low-Battery Warnings

A weak thermostat battery can cause your furnace or AC to shut off or short-cycle.

Replace batteries once a year.

5.4 Turning the System On and Off Repeatedly

This is very harmful. Let the system run through a full cycle before adjusting.

6. When to Call a Professional

If your home does not reach the set temperature—or the thermostat keeps changing settings by itself—it’s time for a professional HVAC check.

A trained technician can inspect:

• Furnace performance
• Wiring
• Smart thermostat compatibility
• Airflow issues

Alliance Energy Source offers heating repair, AC service, thermostat upgrades, and furnace replacement quotes across Richmond Hill, Markham, Toronto, and the GTA.

Final Thoughts

Using a thermostat correctly is one of the easiest ways to lower your hydro bills, reduce furnace stress, and stay comfortable all year. Whether you have a basic manual thermostat or a smart learning model, following the steps above will ensure your HVAC system runs smoothly and efficiently.

If you ever need help with your thermostat, or you’re thinking about upgrading to a smart model, Alliance Energy Source is here to help with heating repair, cooling installation, and financing available options.

Would you like a second blog on:

• How to reduce your heating bill,
• How to choose a furnace, or
• Best temperature settings for winter in Toronto?

Just tell me “next blog.”