Smart ThermostatSummer Settings

The Las Vegas valley experiences extreme heat for months on end. With July seeing an average high of 104.5 degrees Fahrenheit, and about 47 nights a year staying at 80 degrees Fahrenheit or warmer, your cooling system rarely gets a break. Outdoor units sit in direct sun and dust, battling the elements while trying to keep your indoor spaces comfortable. Because the cooling season lasts so long, small adjustments to your thermostat settings can make a noticeable difference in how hard your equipment has to work. Setting your thermostat appropriately helps manage the load on the compressor and the blower motor.

Finding the Right Temperature

Many homeowners are tempted to set their thermostats extremely low when they come inside from the heat. Lowering the setting to 65 degrees does not make the air conditioner cool the house any faster than setting it to 75 degrees. The system simply runs longer, pushing the same temperature of cold air until it reaches the target.

A better approach is to find a stable, comfortable temperature and leave it there while you are home. Pick a steady setting you are comfortable with and leave it there. If you have ceiling fans, using them can make the room feel cooler, allowing you to set the thermostat a degree or two higher.

Programming for Away Hours

One of the biggest advantages of a smart thermostat is the ability to change temperatures automatically based on your schedule. Cooling an empty house makes the air conditioner run when no one is there. You can program the thermostat to let the house get a few degrees warmer while you are away at work.

• Set it a few degrees higher when the house is empty.
• Start cooling again before you get home.
• Use the smartphone app to adjust the schedule if you plan to come home early.

While you want to let the house warm up while you are gone, you should avoid turning the air conditioner completely off. If the house gets very hot, the system has to run a long time to bring it back down.

Regular Upkeep Supports Your Thermostat

A smart thermostat can only do its job if the heating and cooling equipment is functioning properly. A neglected air conditioner will struggle to reach the set temperature, causing the thermostat to keep the system running constantly. The most important thing you can do is check the filter every month and change it at least every three months, following the ENERGY STAR guidelines. A dirty filter blocks airflow and can freeze the indoor coil.

Your system should also receive a cooling tune-up in the spring. During a tune-up, the technician will check refrigerant pressures and temperatures, rinse the outdoor coil, check the blower and airflow, and test the thermostat cooling cycle. Keeping the outdoor coil clean is vital in Las Vegas, where monsoon winds blow heavy dust into the fins.

Monitoring Humidity and Equipment Age

Some smart thermostats include humidity sensors. While Las Vegas is generally dry, the monsoon season in July and August brings higher humidity levels. An air conditioner naturally removes moisture from the air as it cools. If your system is short-cycling, meaning it turns on and off rapidly, it will not run long enough to dehumidify the air properly.

If your air conditioner struggles to maintain the settings on your smart thermostat, age might be a factor. Central air conditioners commonly last about 15 to 20 years. ENERGY STAR suggests it may be time to consider replacement if an air conditioner or heat pump is older than 10 years. We never recommend replacement on age alone.

Thermostat Installation in Las Vegas

If you are ready to upgrade your home controls, Kestrel Heating & Air offers smart and programmable thermostats. Our technicians can verify your wiring, install the new device, and help you understand how to program it for the Las Vegas climate. We provide a written price before any repair or installation work begins.