What is a heat set point?

What do “set point” and “set back” mean?Posted: August 2, 2012 in

The temperature you’ve “set” your thermostat to maintain is known as the set point. 78 degrees is the ideal set point for the summer, while 68 degrees is the ideal set point for the winter.

Set back refers to changing the temperature setting on your thermostat for a period of time when the space will not be occupied or require as much heating or cooling. For example, in the summer, if you are going to be away from home for several hours, or it is night, setting back your thermostat would refer to changing the set point to a higher setting. In the winter, if you are going to be away, or it’s bedtime, set back refers to changing the set point to a lower setting.

Thermostats should be set back 5-8 degrees when no one is going to be home for several hours in order to save energy costs.

Selvey Heating & Cooling can help you determine the best set point for your home and system. Advertisement

Understanding Set Point and actual Room Temperature

  • Set point refers to the temperature you set on your remote, not the temperature that a wall thermostat reads in the same room as your heat pump
  • The thermostat sensor for a ductless heat pump is inside the head on the wall. It is inside that unit where the set point is measured
  • Because the temperature is based on the temperature of the air that’s being brought back into your heat pump indoor unit and not the air that is around a wall thermostat in your room you might find the unit shuts down because it has satisfied the called for temperature even though your wall thermostat may read a lower temperature
  • Focus on comfort in the room. The difference between a set point of 20°C versus 23°C is nickels and dimes not dollars a day for your heating costs, so focus on feeling comfortable
  • BCO Guide to improving the environmental performance of offices

    A guide from the British Council for Offices that offers case studies, metrics for gauging occupant satisfaction and more According to the study, high performance can result in productivity gains that outweigh utility costs.

    Adjusting Cooling & Heating Setpoints

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