Does your thermostat have a little stick that you slide to the temperature you want or does your thermostat lack programming features? If so, then you are missing out on the many benefits that new thermostats have to offer. You can save as much as 10% a year on heating and cooling by simply turning your thermostat back 7°-10°F for 8 hours a day from its normal setting.
Thermostats today have a myriad of options ranging from simple to complex. All can increase your comfort while saving you money and some can become the base for all of your home automation needs.
Energy Savings
Energy savings from being able to tailor your use of your air conditioner – Try turning down the thermostat 5 to 10 degrees at night, and then turn it up again in the morning when the coffee is brewing. This kind of adjustment can save 5 to 10 percent of your heating bill.
The key is to establish a program that automatically reduces heating and cooling in your home when you don’t need as much. Use the programmable thermostat calculator to see what you can save with set-back temperatures that work for your family.
Energystar.gov has these guidelines
Programmable Thermostat Setpoint Times & Temperatures
Setting | Time | Setpoint Temperature (Heat) | Setpoint Temperature (Cool) |
Wake | 6:00 a.m. | ≤ 70° F | ≥ 78° F |
Day | 8:00 a.m. | Setback at least 8° F | Setup at least 7° F |
Evening | 6:00 p.m. | ≤ 70° F | ≥ 78° F |
Sleep | 10:00 p.m. | Setback at least 8° F | Setup at least 4° F |
Efficient Operation Tips
Our summers get hot and we’re all thankful the temperatures are going down, even if it was still 86 degrees on the evening of Halloween. Setting your thermostat as close to the outside temperature as possible is using it efficiently. The smaller the difference between the indoor and outdoor temperatures, the lower your overall cooling bill will be.
One of the most useful benefits or programmable thermostats is being able to set a higher temperature when you are away, and lower the thermostat setting to 78°F (26°C) only when you are at home and need cooling. With the new advances of the Internet of Thing devices, you can even “call” ahead to your home and cool it down on your way back.
You may want to drop that temperature quickly, but setting it on its lowest setting will not cool your home any faster and could result in excessive cooling and unnecessary expense. Avoid setting your thermostat at a colder setting than normal when you turn on your air conditioner.
Comfort, Convenience and Style
Setting a temperature schedule can ensure that your home is cooled or heated to your liking at all hours of the day, refer to the chart above for a guideline for scheduling.
Wifi thermostats allow you to change the thermostat setting via your phone from anywhere in the world. Thermostats today are designed to be appealing to the eye not be an eyesore. Many models have options to change the color to match your preference.
We also strongly agree with the last tip from energystar.gov –
- Have your thermostat properly installed – Here’s what you need to know about proper and safe installation of your programmable thermostat, as well as when you should call a certified HVAC contractor to handle the installation for you.
– Call us today to discuss your thermostat options!
