Auto Settings on Thermostats

By Ryan Davies
CEC Director of Customer & Energy Services

Many thermostats have three options when selecting the mode of the thermostat; heat, cool and auto.  The heat and cool options will only heat or cool respectively when selected.  The auto setting will switch between heating and cooling depending on the temperature settings and inside temperature.

During the cooling season in Central Oregon, we can have dramatic temperature swings between day and night.  Having auto selected can lead to your system automatically switching from cooling during the day, to heating your home at night or when the inside temperature drops below the set point.  It is our recommendation to either select heating or cooling depending on the season.  If you do plan to use the auto mode, be sure to be mindful of the temperature settings.  This time of year, be aware of your mode settings on your thermostat or that convenience could come at an unwanted cost.