The Most Efficient Thermostat Swing

Efficiency vs Comfort – Your Thermostat’s Swing Setting

The “swing” setting on a thermostat refers to the temperature range that the system allows the inside temperature to fluctuate before turning the heating or cooling on or off. It’s also known as the “temperature differential” or “cycle rate.”

Confusing, I know …

When you set the temperature on your thermostat, the swing setting determines how much the temperature can go up or down from that setting before the thermostat turns on the heating or cooling system. The swing setting is a temperature range, such as ±1°F or ±2°F.

For example, let’s say you set your thermostat to 72°F with a swing setting of ±1°F. If the indoor temperature drops to 71°F, the heat will turn on to bring the temperature back up to 72°F. Similarly, if the temperature rises to 73°F, cooling will activate to cool the air down to 72°F.

A small swing setting (tighter temperature differential) results in the heating or cooling system to cycle on and off more often. This results in better temperature control, but the more frequent system starts and stops will increase energy consumption and wear on the HVAC equipment.

On the other hand, a larger swing setting (wider temperature differential) means the system will turn on less frequently but allows the indoor temperature to vary more from the set point. This is more energy-efficient (less cycling) but leads to worse temperature control.

The best swing setting depends on your comfort and efficiency preferences. Some thermostats offer the ability to customize the swing setting, allowing you to find a balance between comfort and energy efficiency that suits your needs. Others are preset and you can’t change it.

• Basic Manual Thermostats: Basic manual thermostats usually have a fixed swing setting that cannot be adjusted by the user. These thermostats have limited features and are typically set at the factory with a specific temperature differential.
• Programmable Thermostats: Programmable thermostats offer more flexibility than basic manual thermostats and may provide some control of the swing setting. However, not all programmable thermostats allow users to adjust the swing setting, and if they do, the adjustment might be limited.
• Smart Thermostats: Many modern smart thermostats come with more advanced features, including the ability to customize the swing setting. Smart thermostats often have companion apps or online interfaces that allow users to adjust various settings, including the temperature differential, to better align with their preferences and energy-saving goals.

If this feature is important to you, consider investing in a programmable or smart thermostat that offers more customization options. Keep in mind that even if your thermostat allows swing setting adjustments, extreme adjustments can impact comfort and energy efficiency, so make any changes gradually and monitor the effects on comfort and efficiency.

Efficiency Improvements by Widening the Swing Setting

Since widening the swing setting results in longer periods between heating or cooling cycles, this will result in energy savings. As mentioned above, this is because the heating or cooling system will run for a longer duration during each cycle, which can reduce the number of on/off cycles and the associated energy consumption. Efficiency gains from widening the swing setting on a thermostat depend on several factors, including:

• The climate you live in — In regions with more extreme temperatures, wider swing settings might not be as effective. For example, if you’re in a very hot or very cold climate, allowing the temperature to drift too far from your desired set point might lead to discomfort before the system starts running again. In addition, wider temperature swings can affect indoor humidity levels. If the temperature is allowed to rise significantly during cooling system downtime, it might cause discomfort due to high humidity levels.
• The characteristics of your heating and cooling system — The efficiency of your heating and cooling systems can impact how much energy is saved by adjusting the swing setting. More efficient systems might see greater energy savings from wider temperature differentials. Also, the insulation and design of your home also play a role. Well-insulated homes are better at maintaining temperature, which can make wider swings more feasible. Finally, the type of thermostat you have and its control algorithms can influence the effectiveness of adjusting the swing setting.
• Your personal comfort preferences — Widening the swing setting too much can lead to discomfort as the indoor temperature drifts further from your preferred range. Finding the right balance between energy savings and comfort is important.

While there isn’t a standard percentage efficiency gain that applies universally to the swing, some studies and simulations have been conducted to estimate potential energy savings from adjusting the swing setting. If you’re considering adjusting your thermostat’s swing setting for energy savings, consult with an HVAC professional or use a smart thermostat that provides insights into your energy usage and savings potential based on your specific situation.