Throughout the year in Indianapolis and across Central Indiana, the temperature will fluctuate from hot and humid in the summer to frigid and below-freezing in the winter.

Finding the recommended thermostat settings for summer and winter can be tricky. If you’re like most people, you want to strike the right balance between staying comfortable and saving on energy costs. This can be especially tough in Indiana’s fluctuating climate.

Whether you're trying to stay cool during muggy summers or warming up during icy winters, setting your thermostat correctly makes a measurable difference. Here's how to take control of your indoor climate without sacrificing comfort or your budget.

Recommended Thermostat Settings

The recommended thermostat settings for summer and winter depend on the time of day and whether you're at home or not. Smart programming and making minor adjustments throughout the day can save you up to 10% a year on heating and cooling bills, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

What Temperature Should You Set Your Thermostat in Summer?

When it’s hot outside, your thermostat setting can impact how hard your air conditioner works—and how much you spend each month. Here’s what we recommend for your summer thermostat setting:

- When You're Home

Set your thermostat to 78°F (25.5°C) during the day. This is ideal for comfort and efficiency, especially when using fans to improve circulation.

- When You're Away from Home

Increase the setting to 85°F (29.5°C) when you’re away. This might sound high, but we promise it’s not. Setting the temperature at a higher setting while you’re away prevents unnecessary strain on your air conditioning unit.

- When You're Sleeping

Lowering the temperature slightly to 78°F can improve sleep quality without drastically increasing energy usage. Pair this with ceiling fans or programmable thermostat adjustments for added comfort.

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What Temperature Should You Set Your Thermostat in Winter?

As temperatures drop in winter, it’s tempting to crank up the heat, but staying efficient helps you save during the winter. Here’s what you can do to maintain your winter thermostat setting:

- When You're Home

Keep the thermostat at 68°F during the day. This is the best temperature to stay comfortable without overworking your heating system.

- When You're Away from Home

Set your thermostat between 60 and 62°F when you’re away. This helps save energy while keeping pipes from freezing. If you’re away for more than a day, a temperature of 55°F is recommended.

- When You're Sleeping

Setting the temperature to 65°F promotes better sleep and can reduce your energy bill, especially when using flannel sheets or heated blankets.

Heat Pumps Operate Differently in Heating Mode

If your home uses a heat pump, the rules change slightly. These systems work more efficiently at steady temperatures, so large temperature fluctuations can cause them to work harder and reduce their efficiency.

It is generally not recommended to use a programmable thermostat with a heat pump for this reason. However, new programmable thermostats are now available that are specifically designed for heat pumps.

Either way, the best method to get the most out of your heat pump is to maintain a moderate setting.

Best Temperature to Set Thermostat to Save Money

Adjusting your thermostat is one of the most effective ways to save money on your energy bills, regardless of the season.

Below is a quick-reference guide with the ideal temperature ranges for both summer and winter:

Season	At Home	Away	Asleep
Winter	68°F	60–62°F	65°F
Summer	78°F	85°F	78°F

Energy-Saving Tips

You can stretch your HVAC system’s performance and reduce monthly bills with a few practical adjustments around the house. Here’s how:

• Install a Programmable or Smart Thermostat - A programmable thermostat automatically adjusts your home’s temperature based on your schedule. Many models allow you to control temperatures through your smartphone.
• Seal Windows and Doors - Drafty doors and leaky windows can let conditioned air escape. Use weather stripping, caulk, or thermal curtains to lock in comfort and avoid overworking your HVAC system.
• Maintain Your HVAC System - Dirty filters, clogged vents, and worn components all reduce efficiency. Scheduling regular maintenance appointments helps extend the life of your system and prevents costly repairs.

How to Use a Programmable Thermostat Effectively

Using a programmable thermostat correctly can significantly reduce your energy use without sacrificing comfort. But to reap the most benefits, it’s important to program it correctly.

According to ENERGY STAR, these best practices will help your programmable thermostat work for you, not against you:

• Install your thermostat away from heat sources.

Avoid placing your programmable thermostat near windows, skylights, fireplaces, lamps, or heating and cooling registers.

• Set the thermostat to energy-saving temperatures for extended periods.

Maintaining the same energy-saving temperature settings during the day when no one is home or while you are asleep is best.

• Use the “hold” button only when necessary.

Keeping your settings at a constant energy-saving temperature while you are away for more than a day is best. Use the “hold” button when going on vacation or away for the weekend.

• Don’t constantly adjust the settings.

Constantly adjusting the settings overrides pre-programmed settings. These frequent manual changes cause your system to work harder and increase energy costs.

• Use a programmable thermostat for each zone in your home.

Zoned heating and cooling systems work best when each area has its own programmed thermostat.

• Change your batteries annually.

Low battery levels can cause your system to stop following the programmed schedule or fail altogether. Upgrading to a smart thermostat can simplify this process.

Many models offer voice control, smartphone access, and even geofencing, which adjusts the temperature when you leave or return home.

Take Control of Your Comfort and Energy Costs with Chapman

Indiana weather is nothing if not unpredictable, but your indoor comfort doesn’t have to be. By understanding the recommended thermostat settings for summer and winter, you can enjoy a more energy-efficient home, lower utility bills, and better year-round comfort.

Whether you need a new programmable or smart thermostat, an HVAC system tune-up, or a zone control system for more targeted comfort, the experts at Chapman Heating, Air Conditioning, Plumbing  & Electrical are here to help. We’ve served central Indiana for over 40 years, helping people stay comfortable in every season.

Take charge of your comfort and energy bills. Contact Chapman today for guidance and expert service.

With a “3-season room,” you have the perfect place to enjoy the beauty of the great outdoors with your loved ones.

In the spring and summer, you can sit out with a book or open up a few of the windows to enjoy the breeze. You can watch the beauty of a thunderstorm while staying safe and dry. Then, in the fall, you can sit with a sweater and a cup of coffee and watch the leaves change colors.

However, one of the most challenging parts of maintaining your three-season room is controlling the temperature.

Without insulation, your room is just about useless in the winter. The cold may be too intense for you to stand without bundling up too much. In the summer, you may not want to open the windows because of allergies or the extreme heat. Even in the spring and fall, the fluctuating temperatures can make it difficult to maintain comfort.

Enter a ductless mini-split system. Sometimes called a ductless heating and cooling system, mini splits are the perfect answer for maintaining the temperature and comfort of your three-season room. You can almost turn your three-season room into a four-season room.

What Is a Ductless Mini Split System?

These versatile systems offer flexible heating and cooling options for individual rooms in your home, including your three-season room.

A ductless mini-split is made up of two main pieces:

1. The outdoor compressor, which includes a condensing coil.
2. An indoor air-handling unit, which is typically mounted on a wall.

Other than a three-season room, you’ll also find mini splits are common in garages, master bedrooms, and room additions. Like regular AC and heating systems, ductless systems need regular maintenance and service.

What Are the Benefits of a Ductless Mini Split?

There are a few benefits to having mini-splits installed in your home. A few of these are outlined below.

They Always Keep the Perfect Temperature

As the name implies, mini splits are completely independent heating and cooling systems from the rest of your home. This unique setup allows for total control and finding the perfect temperature.

A little hot in the summer? Crank up the cooling. Chilly fall evening, but still want to enjoy the outdoors? Turn on the heater. This control even gives you the ability to spend some comfortable winter afternoons in your three-season room.

They Are Cost-Effective and Energy-Efficient

Since the mini-split is controlled separately and only when you want it, you don’t have to worry about the mini-split driving up your energy bill.

Instead of cranking the central AC in hopes of cooling off the room and draining the cool air in the house, just fire up the mini-split as you need it.

They Are Quiet While in Use

A mini-split is not like a normal fan that is constantly whirring. After all, you want to enjoy your three-season room in peace and quiet without the constant, loud buzzing of a fan.

A ductless mini-split is relatively quiet and will provide that sense of tranquility you want. It is also small, compact, and on the wall. That means no maneuvering around a bulky box fan or tripping over cords.

They Are Easy to Install

Another benefit of using a mini-split in your three-season room is how easy the installation process is. With traditional heating and cooling systems, extensive ductwork and space-consuming central units are required.

Ductless mini-split systems, on the other hand, only have a few components (outdoor unit, indoor unit, and conduit that connects them). Overall, this saves homeowners time, money, and hassle during installation.

They Improve Air Quality

Not only do these systems provide cost-effective temperature control, but they also help improve the air quality in your Indianapolis home. Since there is no ductwork that can become clogged and dirty over time, there is a smaller chance of dust, allergens, or other debris accumulating inside the ducts and causing respiratory issues.

Plus, many ductless mini-split systems have air filtration systems that can trap and remove harmful particles from the air, such as dust, mold, and bacteria.

Ready to upgrade your three-season room or thinking about putting one in in time for summer? Take advantage of the temperature comfort and control that only a ductless mini split can provide.

Call your friends at Chapman to help get the installation process started. We carry top-of-the-line heating and cooling products built to battle the extreme and spastic Indiana heat and cold.

The temperatures are rising and that means summer is on its way! With warmer weather on the horizon it's time to think about setting your thermostat for summer. These tips will help you save money this summer and make your home more energy efficient.

During the summer months it's best to set your thermostat between 75 and 78 degrees, or turn it off when you are out of your house for long periods of time. A higher interior temperature will slow the flow of heat into your house, saving energy on air conditioning. And who doesn't want that?

To help you deal with your thermostat running at a higher temperature, we suggest utilizing ceiling or room fans. To keep your energy bills low, turn off all of the lights during the day while you are out of the house and keep the shades drawn to prevent direct sunlight from heating up your home. On the weekends, open up the windows if the weather permits to keep some fresh air blowing through your home. This will help reduce your electric bill significantly by reducing your electric use during the day, all while keeping your home cool.

Another simple way to lower your energy bill during the summer is to make sure you electronic devices are unplugged and turned off if you are not using them. Many electronic devices will continue to use power even when they are not in use. Is your laptop or tablet turned off, but still connected to the charger that's plugged into the wall? Simply unplug the appliances that are not in use or don't need to be charged to cut down your energy bill.

Programmable thermostats help you manage your home temperature settings by creating a schedule. You will save money all summer long. You'll want to program your thermostat to be warmer while you are away at work and cooler when you return home in the evening. For more information about programmable thermostats click here. Interested and upgrading to a programmable thermostat? Give your friends at Chapman a call at 317-291-4909 or visit our website today!

Have your air conditioner inspected by one of our Chapman Heating, Air Conditioning, and Plumbing, contractors today!

If you live in an older home in central Indiana, you might be dreading the summertime. Homes constructed before central heating and cooling systems became popular are not designed for the network of air ducts newer HVAC systems require. Remodeling an older home to accommodate ductwork may not be practical if city codes or homeowner associations limit the changes that can be made to the home's historical architectural style. So what do you do? Don't sweat it. A duct free heating and cooling system is the answer to beating the summer heat.

First, you're probably wondering what a duct free system is and how it works. Like any standard heating and cooling system, a ductless unit has both an indoor and outdoor component. The outdoor unit contains the compressor and condenser. The indoor unit consists of the evaporator (the component in the cooling system that extracts heat from air) and the fan that blows the cooled air into your home.

Individual units are installed into each room in your home to help your control the temperature. Because ductless systems let you control each room's environment, the entire household won't be disturbed when a unit cycles on or off. Ductless systems are adaptable to almost any comfort need and any home's design and configurations.

The elimination of ductwork substantially raises a ductless system's energy efficiency. Because the heat pumps used in ductless systems move heat rather than generate it, they're far more energy efficient that conventional heaters like furnaces and boilers. Ductless systems include controls for each individual air handler. Most systems come with remote controls that let you adjust temperatures without leaving the comfort of your couch.

If you're living in an older home, it's time to say goodbye to those unsightly and outdated window units and upgrade to a duct-free heating and cooling system. They are easy to install, energy efficient and quiet. What's not to love? Don't spend another summer suffering through boiling temperatures and an old HVAC system. Call your friends at Chapman and we'll get you feeling cool and comfortable in no time. For more information about duct free systems call 317-291-4909 today!

Looking for ductless air conditioner contact Chapman Heating, Air Conditioning, and Plumbing, today

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INDIANAPOLIS, July 3, 2014 , Chapman Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc., a local HVAC company in Indianapolis, donated and installed a new heating and cooling system to the Humane Society for Hamilton County's dog intake area, where all of the dogs first arrive and might stay for several days before there is room to move them into the kennel.

Chapman Heating and Air Conditioning is a corporate partner of the Hamilton County Humane Society and its efforts to find animals good homes. As part of Chapman's commitment to the organization they have donated and installed a brand new HVAC system for the intake area. It is critical to have an A/C unit in the area because the temperature can often exceed 90 degrees in the summer. The warmer temperatures make it unbearably hot for the animals, as well as the people who care for them.

For over 30 years, Chapman Heating and Air Conditioning has provided high quality, reliable service to families throughout central Indiana. They have grown to become the largest independent Bryant dealer in the Indianapolis area, offering a full range of topnotch heating and air conditioning products and equipment.

The new system was installed on Friday, June 12, 2014. Jeff Chapman, owner of Chapman Heating and Air Conditioning, expressed his admiration for the entire staff at the Humane Society for Hamilton County. Chapman said, As the proud new parent of a pup that I adopted from the Humane Society, I know how important it is to give these animals a safe place to stay while they wait to be adopted. The Humane Society for Hamilton County does so many great things for the community that it's our pleasure along with Scott Plumbing to donate a new HVAC system.

Scott Plumbing is a sister company of Chapman Heating and Air Conditioning. They are also close neighbors with the Humane Society for Hamilton County in Noblesville.

Both businesses look to continue their partnership with the Humane Society for Hamilton County in a combined effort to help serve the greater Indianapolis community.

For more information about Chapman Heating and Air Conditioning, call 317-291-4909 or visit www.chapmanoxydev.wpenginepowered.com.

For more information about the Humane Society for Hamilton County, call 317-773-4974 or visit www.hamiltonhumane.com.

Give Chapman Heating, Air Conditioning, and Plumbing, to provide air conditioning services for your home today

Indianapolis has had a rough winter. The temperatures have been below freezing and the snow looks like it will never melt. As these cold temperatures continue to hang around, your energy bill will only increase. A zoned heating and cooling system is a great option that will help you save money without having to sacrifice comfort.

What is Zoning?

Zoning provides optimum comfort with increased energy savings by dividing your home into areas with similar heating and cooling needs. It independently controls the temperature in each are. Multiple light switches independently control lighting in different rooms, well zoning is very similar. Multiple zone thermostats or sensors control temperature in different areas of the home.

Installation is simple. Zone controls can be installed in homes with forced-air systems, mini-split systems or radiant heat systems. An ideal time to consider zoning is when you are replacing your HVAC system.

Why Do I Need Zoning?

Zoning your home creates a space that is comfortable and enjoyable. If your home is more than one level or has large, open areas you need zoning. Don't waste money heating areas that are rarely used. Zoning allows you to reduce the heating and cooling in an unused part of your home which will substantially reduce your energy bill. This is perfect if you have finished rooms in your basement or attic that your family members don't spend a lot of time in. How often are you eating dinner in your dining room, or having someone sleep in your guest bedroom? Zoning the temperature in these rooms is an opportunity to save you a lot of money.

Is there a daily argument between family members about the house being too hot or too cold? Zoning eliminates the frustrating thermostat war. Everyone can live comfortably without fighting over the thermostat.

Beware of the cheaper and older portable space heaters. They can be dangerous. You should never leave a space heater on unattended. They should also only be used for short periods of time. Do not let children play near space heaters and make sure you have a properly functioning smoke detector.

Be smart with your money this winter. Don't let high energy bills continue to cause you frustration. Zoning your home allows you to tailor your energy to your lifestyle. It will save you money and make your home much more comfortable. For more information about how to install a zoning system in your home, contact Chapman Heating and Cooling.

Looking for home heating system installation contact Chapman Heating, Air Conditioning, and Plumbing, today

Indianapolis has faced one of the harshest winters this year. We have encountered negative temperatures and more than enough snow and ice. So how has this affected your energy bill? Was your bill through the roof? You're not alone. There are many causes for high energy bills, and here are some reasons yours might be more than you expected.

Common Causes

• Broken or unused appliances , A leaky water heater or faulty thermostat can lead to a shockingly high energy bill. Don't leave damaged appliances unattended. Many electronic devices will continue to use power even when they are not in use. Is your laptop or tablet turned off, but still connected to the charger that's plugged into the wall? Is your guest bedroom TV plugged but no one is using it? Simply unplug the appliances that are not in use or don't need to be charged to cut down your energy bill.
• Increase in occupants , Did you have a lot of guests stay in your home? Did some of your kids come home from college? This can cause a spike in your energy bill. More people in the home means more showers, laundry and dish washing. All of these activities can impact your energy bill.
• Leaving the lights on , This seems like a no brainer, but how often have you left the lights in the kitchen on even though you're not in the room? It's more common than you think. Do you really need to keep that hallway light on upstairs when the whole family is downstairs? No. Turning off lights in areas of the home you're not occupying with help you save more money and become more energy efficient.
• Change in seasons , This might also seem like common sense, but the more you crank the heat on the thermostat, the higher your energy bill is going to be. There are plenty of ways to cut down your use of heat in the winter, you just have to be conscious of the temperature you're leaving your thermostat on when you're not at home. Turning the temperature down before you leave for work is a great way to lower your energy bill.

There are plenty of ways to save money and keep your energy bill down during the winter months. Make sure you are being conscious of any broken or unused appliances, turning your lights off when you leave the room and keeping the thermostat at a steady temperature. For more information about how to cut down on energy costs, visit our website today.

Chapman Heating, Air Conditioning, and Plumbing, your source for qualified hvac repair and installation

Cold temperatures lead to a decrease in the amount of moisture in the air. The lack of moisture not only causes itchy, dry skin, but it also takes a toll on the inside of your home. Have you noticed the paint on your walls start to chip, is your wallpaper peeling or are your hardwood floors starting to crack? Is your furniture looking a little worse for wear? These are all side effects of dry winter air combined with blasting the heat inside your home. A whole home humidifier is a simple solution.

Signs of Damage

• Cracks or splits in hardwood flooring or walls
• Wood flooring or doors show gaps
• Joints on cabinet doors or wood paneling have widened
• Loose chair legs and arms

Why a Whole Home Humidifier?

A whole home humidifier is a better solution to your problems than portable humidifiers because portable humidifiers can only humidify one or two rooms. You most likely have wood furniture in more than one room of your home so you'll need optimum protection and a whole home humidifier gives you that. If you invested a reasonable amount of money in your wooden tables, chairs, bed frames and dressers you want those pieces of furniture to last a long time.

A whole home humidifier is less noisy and requires a lot less supervision than portable humidifiers. Portable humidifiers also need to be filled multiple times a day and cleaned every few hours. No one has time for that. A whole home humidifier reaches every room in your house with equal, even comfort. That means all of your furniture in every room in your home will be protected from the dry, winter air. It draws water from your pipes so there is need to refill or clean it. A whole home humidifier saves you time, money and extends the life of your furniture.

Extra Tips

Besides installing a whole home humidifier you can also use some of the following tips to save your furniture and keep your home looking great all winter long.

• Use high quality furniture oil. Always put the oil on the rag and not directly on the wood and rub the piece thoroughly. Do this once every six months to keep your wood furniture in tip-top condition.
• Move your furniture out of direct sunlight.
• Move your furniture away from heating vents. It's best to keep your furniture 3-5 inches away from the wall. This allows the heat to circulate without directly blowing on your furniture which will cause it to dry out and crack.

The winter weather has done enough damage to roads and vehicles, so don't let it ruin your home decor and furnishings. A whole home humidifier can help extend the life of your furniture and keep your home looking brand new all winter long. Call Chapman Heating and Air Conditioning today to schedule an appointment today!

Chapman Heating, Air Conditioning, and Plumbing, carries a full line of high efficiency furnaces. Contact us to recommend the best services to your home