What Are the Average Savings After Installing a Programmable Thermostat?

You have probably heard that installing a programmable thermostat can bring down your heating and cooling costs. While this is genuinely true, you don’t instantly save just by exchanging your old manual thermostat for a programmable one. To make the most of your savings, you must select, set up and use a programmable thermostat effectively. 

As stated by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), homeowners could save up to 10% on heating and cooling costs by using a programmable thermostat to automatically set back the temperature 7 to 10 degrees from its normal setting for eight hours each day. For the ordinary home, this amounts to about $180 per year. Try these programmable thermostat tips to save the most on your heating and cooling bill. 

How to Find a Programmable Thermostat 

As you compare thermostats, check the compatibility with your HVAC system. As an example, radiant floor heating may necessitate a different type of thermostat than one designed for forced-air heating and cooling. 

Then, assess the scheduling functionality. Most programmable thermostats have four daily programs—Wake, Leave, Home and Sleep, or something close. Different models offer dynamic levels of control all through the week. Here are the four main options: 

• 7-day programming allows for a different schedule every day. This is perfect if your family’s schedule changes daily. 
• 5-1-1 programming generates a weekday schedule and separate Saturday/Sunday schedules. This is best 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 follows one schedule for the whole week. 

How to Set Up a Programmable Thermostat 

The ability to program setback periods while you’re away or sleeping makes it simpler to save energy with a programmable thermostat. Establish the settings you prefer at the beginning of the season. While you can select the times and temperatures that are ideal for your family’s preferences, here’s how a typical weekday schedule might look: 

• Wake at 7:00 am: The thermostat provides a comfortable temperature in time for you to start your day. The DOE recommends 68 degrees in the winter and 78 degrees during the summer. 
• Leave at 8:00 am: Instruct the thermostat to adjust the temperature back 10 degrees around 30 minutes before leaving for work. This setting should be around 58 degrees during the winter and 88 degrees for the summer. 
• Home at 5:30 pm: The automatic recovery schedule resumes a comfortable temperature before you are home for the day. 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 set to 65 degrees in the winter and 80 degrees in the summer. 

Getting Maximum Savings from a Programmable Thermostat 

The best benefit 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 feel uncomfortable. However, your energy usage will go up if you consistently change the settings. Don an extra layer in the winter or turn on a fan in the summer before adjusting the thermostat. 
• Use the correct hold feature: All programmable thermostats enable temporary overrides without deleting the current setting. This is referred to as a “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 go back to your regular schedule until you manually disable the hold. 
• Don’t make large temperature changes: When you must override a setting, adjust the thermostat by just a degree or two. You should feel more comfortable after making this minor adjustment while preventing the energy waste of cranking the temperature way up or down. 

• Replace the batteries: Most programmable thermostats use batteries to keep the settings from being deleted because of a power outage. Make a habit of replacing the batteries once a year at a time you can easily remember, such as the new year or when the kids return to school in the fall. 

Start Saving by Installing a Programmable Thermostat 

If you’re ready to set it and forget it, choose Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing for help finding and installing a programmable thermostat. We can also share more info 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 additional information or to request a free thermostat assessment, please call your local Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing office today.