Heating and cooling accounts for an average of 42% of home energy costs. Installing a programmable thermostat can help you control those costs will little effort.
When programming a programmable thermostat, you can set the system to adjust the temperature automatically to save energy when you’re not at home. You don’t have to worry about coming home to an uncomfortable house, and you don’t have to remember to reset the thermostat every day.
Keep reading for programmable thermostat tips to help you get the most out of the system.
Familiarize Yourself With the Programmable Thermostat
Using your thermostat to its full potential is much easier when you fully understand what it can do. Ask your installer to go over the basics, so you feel comfortable using it.
Then, dig deeper by reading the manual before you set the thermostat. The manual tells you how to set the temperatures properly and likely gives you tips on your specific model to optimize it.
Program Temperature While You’re Gone
Changing the temperature while you’re gone can save on energy use significantly. Simply changing the temperature by 7 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit from your normal setting over 8 hours daily can cut your heating and cooling expenses by up to 10% for the year.
In the summer, program your thermostat for a temperature that’s higher than your normal setting while you’re at work or otherwise normally out of the house. In the winter, save energy by setting your thermostat to lower the temperature while you’re gone.
Setting the temperature to lower at night makes sleep more comfortable and saves money in the winter. The recommended temperature for comfortable sleep is between 60 and 67 degrees with 65 degrees being optimal. Once you find your preferred nighttime temperature, program your thermostat to adjust to that temperature shortly before bedtime.
You can also increase or lower the temperature based on the season when you’re gone for an extended period, such as while you’re on vacation or you’re away for the weekend. Simply program the thermostat to return to your normal temperature shortly before you plan to return home. This ensures your home is a comfortable temperature when you return.
Set It and Forget It
You can always override your programming if you need to make a temporary adjustment, but it’s best to program the thermostat the way you want it and leave it. If you’re constantly adjusting the settings manually, it can end up using more energy instead of saving on your utility bills.
If you find the temperatures aren’t working for you, consider reprogramming the thermostat. It might take some time to get the programming just right.
Change the Battery
It’s a good idea to change the battery on your programmable thermostat once per year. While some units have a low-battery indicator, others don’t. Changing the battery regularly ensures all of the settings you’ve created are saved.
Get the Most Out of Your Programmable Thermostat
Getting the most out of your programmable thermostat helps to keep your home comfortable and save you money. Becoming familiar with your system and setting temperatures appropriately helps you maximize the system.
Contact us today for more information on programmable thermostats or to schedule a thermostat installation. We’re a family owned and run business that’s been serving Pasco County and surrounding areas since 1985. We pride ourselves on hard work, honesty, and excellent heating and cooling services.
