You have most likely heard that installing a programmable thermostat can bring down your heating and cooling costs. While this is genuinely true, you don’t automatically save just by replacing your old manual thermostat for a programmable one. To maximize your savings, you should select, set up and use a programmable thermostat effectively.
As reported by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), homeowners could save up to 10% on heating and cooling costs with the help of a programmable thermostat to consistently set back the temperature 7 to 10 degrees from its normal setting for eight hours every day. For the ordinary home, this amounts to around $180 per year. Check out these programmable thermostat tips to save the most on your heating and cooling bill.
How to Secure a Programmable Thermostat
As you look at different thermostats, confirm the compatibility with the rest of your HVAC system. For instance, radiant floor heating may call for a different type of thermostat than one developed for forced-air heating and cooling.
Then, evaluate the scheduling controls. Most programmable thermostats have four daily programs—Wake, Leave, Home and Sleep, or something similar. Separate models offer dynamic levels of control throughout the week. Here are the four primary options:
- 7-day programming allows for a different schedule every day. This is best if your family’s schedule fluctuates regularly.
- 5-1-1 programming generates a weekday schedule and separate Saturday/Sunday schedules. This is good if your routine is consistent Monday through Friday but unique on Saturday and Sunday.
- 5-2 programming lets you set separate weekday and weekend schedules.
- 1-week programming sticks to one schedule for every day of the week.
How to Set Up a Programmable Thermostat
The ability to set up setback periods while you're gone or sleeping makes it simpler to save energy with a programmable thermostat. Finalize the settings you prefer at the start of the season. While you can select the times and temperatures that work best for your family’s preferences, here’s how an ordinary weekday schedule might look:
- Wake at 7:00 am: The thermostat achieves a comfortable temperature in time for you to get out of bed. The DOE suggests 68 degrees in the winter and 78 degrees in the summer.
- Leave at 8:00 am: Program the thermostat to set the temperature back 10 degrees about 30 minutes before leaving for work. This setting should be approximately 58 degrees in the winter and 88 degrees over the summer.
- Home at 5:30 pm: The automatic recovery period resumes a comfortable temperature before you get home from work. This setting should be around 68 degrees in the winter and 78 degrees during the summer.
- Sleep at 10:30 pm: Program the thermostat to the nighttime temperature for 30 minutes before bed. This nighttime setting should be about 65 degrees in the winter and 80 degrees during the summer.
Getting Maximum Savings from a Programmable Thermostat
The best aspect of a programmable thermostat is that you can save energy without losing out on comfort. Check out these tips to get the most from your upgrade:
- Don't override programmed settings: You can always override the current temperature if you are really uncomfortable. Although, your energy usage will increase if you constantly change the settings. Put on an extra layer in the winter or use a fan in the summer before changing the thermostat.
- Use the correct hold feature: All programmable thermostats enable temporary overrides without deleting the active setting. This is known as the “temporary hold,” which only persists until the next programmed time. The "permanent/vacation hold” is for when you leave for longer periods. This overrides the settings indefinitely. The thermostat won’t resume your regular schedule until you personally remove the hold.
- Don’t make steep temperature changes: When you must override a setting, adjust the thermostat by only a degree or two. You should feel more comfortable after making this slight adjustment while preventing the energy waste of turning the temperature way up or down.
- Replace the batteries: Most programmable thermostats use batteries to stop the settings from being deleted because of a power outage. Make a habit of changing the batteries once a year at a time you can easily remember, such as the new year or when the kids head off to school in the fall.
Start Saving by Installing a Programmable Thermostat
If you prefer to set it and forget it, call Bryant Heating & Cooling Service Experts for help finding and installing a programmable thermostat. We can also provide details about Wi-Fi programmable thermostats, which come with even more benefits like remote temperature control, learning capabilities, motion sensors, auto-generated energy reports and more. For more details or to request a free thermostat assessment, please contact your local Bryant Heating & Cooling Service Experts office today.