What temperature should I set my thermostat to?
This has to be a question that every single one of our customers asks. My answer is the same every time.. “whatever makes you comfortable”. If you need to set it to 25,30,19 etc set it to the number that you feel makes your home comfortable TO YOU. Usually we get the same response “that’s too hot/cold!” then we get the “they (energy ads etc) say you should keep it at X temp”. These may be good guidelines for houses, condos are a completely different design. Large windows (solar loading), less ducting, building make up air, ERVs/HRvs, living space layout, multiple HVAC units with multiple thermostats etc. When was the last time you heard a house owner say they never turn their heat on in the winter? Well happens quite frequently in condos! Simply ask a South facing unit resident.
Too hot too cold are relative terms and the thermostat reading is relative to its specific location. While your thermostat may read 21C, it may be 25C on your couch 10ft away. In regards to saving energy lower/higher settings do not have the impact in a condo as they do in a house. Now of course the extreme to that is if your setting your thermostat to 30C and keeping windows open etc. and the units are on 24 hours, yes, but all things being equal there is no real benefit to adjusting a degree or two in the hopes of saving the planet.
Bottom line don’t obsess over the number displayed, use it as a reference. Your comfort is the guideline to what that number should be, not the other way around.
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I GO AWAY/AM NOT HOME? WHAT SHOULD I SET THE THERMOSTAT TO?
For this question we do have some strong suggestions.
You should never shut your unit off for prolonged period of time, doing so can cause issues with condensation leading to mold growth and worst case freezing of piping. Many newer suite design have the fan coil units located on exterior walls or next to windows and sliding doors. With the right conditions (deep freezes) your fan coil is in danger of freezing and this will lead to pipe bursts and flooding.
A safe recommended set back temperature is 15C in winter and 25C in summer. These settings will reduce energy consumption and keep your suite at a healthy temperature.
Set thermostat according to your comfort level
Never shut your unit completely off
Winter keep setting at 15C or above
Summer keep setting at 25C or below
Setting fan to circulate will help increase air quality and even temperature
NEVER LEAVE WINDOWS OR DOORS OPEN IN COLD WEATHER EVEN FOR SHORT PERIODS, FREEZING OF COILS TAKES SECONDS!
If renovating units should be set back during any sanding/cutting of materials and thoroughly cleaned immediately after before re-adjusting temperature.
Typical Fan Coil Thermostat