Most people think of a thermostat as a way to control their home’s temperature, but it also plays a vital role in indoor air quality.
As thermostats get more advanced with time, they can be used for finer control beyond simple temperature adjustments. They can control when fans run, help with ventilation and even learn your patterns. They also use humidifiers or dehumidifiers to adjust the air’s moisture, and some have built-in air quality sensors to measure pollutants in your home.
The Impact of Temperature Control on Air Quality
Temperature and humidity are closely linked, and they have a direct impact on your air quality. Humidity is the amount of water in the air, and warm air naturally absorbs and retains moisture, so adjusting your thermostat helps control humidity.
Relative humidity (RH) is expressed as a percentage and compares how much water vapor is in the air to the amount of water it can hold at a specific temperature. The moisture and warmth of high humidity are the perfect environment for the growth of mold and dust mites. They thrive in 60% or above humidity, so if you can keep it between 30% to 50%, you’ll discourage their growth, while remaining comfortable.
Humidity Control Through Thermostats
A thermostat can control humidity through simple temperature regulation and modern add-ons that can respond in real time. Some thermostats have hygrostats, built-in sensors that detect moisture or connect to an external one. There is also the option to integrate a thermostat with humidifiers and dehumidifiers that will kick into action when humidity goes above or below your set range.
Mold, mildew and dust mites do well in humid environments, and they can cause allergic reactions of differing severity depending on how allergic the person is and how much of the allergen is present. On the other hand, pollen and pet dander tend to clump together when there is moisture in the air, allowing them to fall to the ground, while dryness can cause them to stay airborne for longer.
Viruses and bacteria survive in very humid or dry conditions. So, using your thermostat to control humidity will help to prevent allergens and more from being circulated by your heating, ventilation and air conditioning system (HVAC). It will help balance the humidity and dryness if you allow no more than 50% humidity.
Enhancing Air Quality with Ventilation Control
When you’re looking for how to improve air quality at home, ventilation control is key. Modern thermostats with smart features, or at the very least programmable, are usually integrated with ventilation systems. This gives the thermostat control over fans and syncs with HVAC cycles or runs them independently of heating and cooling. They can also use data from various sensors that measure air quality to ventilate when needed.
A programmable or smart thermostat offers scheduling options to set your fans to run at specific times, like just before you arrive home to clear the air. Smart systems can auto-optimize based on the number of people and local weather conditions. Using preprogrammed settings or smart features for ventilation control is vital for efficient fresh air exchange, which flushes the air and reduces allergens, pollutants and humidity.
Best Practices for Thermostat Settings
Optimal thermostat settings will vary depending on seasonal changes. There are also factors to consider, such as the overall climate and what kind of temperature and humidity you experience over this time. A good general rule to follow for all seasons is to keep your indoor temperature as close to the outdoor temperature as possible when you’re away from home for better energy efficiency.Â
The following are some guidelines for seasonal thermostat settings:
Summer
To balance comfort with energy savings, the best temperature range for your HVAC system is between 72 to 78 degrees Fahrenheit, whichever is more comfortable for you. When you’re out of the home, you can set the temperature 10 degrees higher, giving you energy benefits.
FallÂ
As temperatures drop gradually through the fall months, you’ll probably want to crank up the heating to stay comfortable. If you wish to remain energy-conscious but still comfortable while at home and awake, 68 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit is optimal.
Winter
Ideal winter temperature settings would be between 60 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit, with lower temperatures when you aren’t home or are asleep.
Spring
It’s similar to fall, except the temperature is warming up. You can again use 68 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit and adjust for comfort.Â
Humidity Settings
The amount of thermostat humidity control you’ll have will depend on how advanced your system is. Temperature changes will help the air feel less waterlogged but won’t draw moisture out. You’ll need a dehumidifier or humidifier for precise control.
If your system has humidity control, its optimal settings are between 30% to 50% throughout the year. You’ll want to keep it on the low side in winter, between 30% to 40%, as this stops window condensation and provides a hostile environment for mold and allergens, while also avoiding air that’s too dry.
In summer, you can keep it higher, between 40% to 50%, as anything above 50% can result in allergen growth. In spring and fall, keeping it between 35% to 50% will give you an excellent balance between comfort and allergen control.
Advanced Thermostat Features to Improve Air Quality
Your thermostat can affect air conditioning and heating through basic temperature control. However, thanks to advanced HVAC systems, thermostats are becoming more sophisticated. Some newer models do most of the work for you, so you don’t have to constantly adjust settings.
Modern smart thermostats have features such as:
- Sensors:Â Along with temperature, humidity and occupancy sensors, some advanced models also have air quality sensors that detect pollutants like carbon dioxide, volatile organic compounds, fine particulate matter and more.
- Learning algorithms:Â By monitoring your patterns, a smart thermostat can learn your preferences and schedule and optimize your comfort while you’re at home through automated adjustments.
- Smart home system integration:Â If you have other smart devices like an Alexa or Apple HomeKit, you can integrate your thermostat control into these systems.
- App control:Â With dedicated apps, you can review your data, monitor and adjust your settings on the go, and receive air quality alerts.
Get in Touch for Thermostat Services
Are you ready to automate your comfort? GreenBox Home Services can integrate an advanced thermostat into your system that will learn your patterns and keep you comfortable 24/7. We prioritize honesty and expert work. We want to educate all our customers so you can make informed decisions about your comfort.
Contact GreenBox Home Services for a free estimate today!
