Programmable Thermostats: Do They Really Save You Energy?
You may have heard that programmable thermostats cannot save you money. That may be true, if you are not using it correctly. Just like any other tool or technology, proper use and knowledge is required for success. Below are nine best practices for using programmable thermostats to maximize energy savings in your Oklahoma home.
1. Pick set points and leave them alone; don’t mess with them more than you have to. This example program may not work for your home and require adjustments after you have fully evaluated your home and energy consumption, but it's a good start.
o Winter: In the winter, set your thermostat for 68 degrees when home and awake, lower for when you're away or asleep.
o Summer: Set your thermostat for 78 degrees while you are home and turn it off when you leave.
2. Know the difference between your hold features. Generally you will have a temporary hold and a permanent/vacation hold. Be sure to use them accordingly. For example, the permanent/vacation feature should not be used for day-to-day control.
3. If you are going away, set the permanent/vacation feature at en energy efficient temperature for the entirety of your trip.
4. You will not heat up or cool down your house any faster if you turn it all the way up or all the way down; that will just waste energy and money.
5. If you use zone heating, you will need multiple programmable thermostats for each zone in order to maximize energy savings in your home.
6. Stay on top of changing your batteries if your thermostats are battery powered.
7. Try not to change pre-programmable settings. Each time you do this you are using more energy.
8. Install programmable thermostats away from appliances, lighting, skylights, heating/cooling registers, and any other areas that create significant heat/cooling.
9. If you are only using a few rooms in your house, turn your thermostat off completely and use space heaters/window air conditioners.
For additional information on programmable thermostats and for other home comfort concerns, contact us. We have been serving the Broken Arrow area since 1985.
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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).
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