Using a programmable thermostat is one of the easiest ways to cut down on the costs of staying comfortable. For the greatest savings, though, it helps to follow some simple guidelines.
Choose Your Temperatures Carefully
The number of temperature schedules you can set depends on the type of programmable thermostat you have. For example, 1-week models allow only one schedule, 5-2 models let you choose separate workday and weekend schedules and a 7-day model allows you to select a different schedule for every day of the week. Most let you choose four temperature settings per day.Put your energy-saving set points at least eight hours apart. For example, you might set your air conditioner to 78 degrees or your furnace to 60 degrees while you're in bed. Then program your system to turn off while you're out at work and come on again an hour before you get home. Selecting extreme temperatures doesn't heat or cool your home faster. If it's important for your home to be at a specific temperature at a certain time, choose a thermostat with "adaptive recovery" or "smart" technology.
Use the Settings as Intended
The "override" option allows you to temporarily change the temperature on unusually hot or cold days without wiping out your programming. Avoid the temptation to use it whenever you're slightly uncomfortable or you'll negate your energy savings. If you're frequently too hot or cold, program in more comfortable temperatures.Use the "hold" or "vacation" setting to keep your home at a constant, energy-saving temperature when you're gone for more than a day. Using it to control your temperatures every day makes it hard to save because you're likely to forget to reset the thermostat to your energy-saving temperatures.
Change your thermostat's batteries at least once a year. Weak batteries can cause the thermostat to malfunction and fail to maintain your preferred temperatures.
For more tips on using your programmable thermostat or other ways to lower your energy bills, contact us at Air Assurance. We serve the Broken Arrow area.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). Credit/Copyright Attribution: “tab62/Shutterstock”