What Sort of Savings Can Be Anticipated Following the Installation of a Programmable Thermostat?
As you've probably heard, a programmable thermostat can reportedly help you save money on heating and cooling. A programmable thermostat can help you save money, but this is not something that happens automatically. You should pick, set up, and utilize a programmable thermostat as much as possible to save the most money.
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) estimates that by programming a programmable thermostat to reduce the temperature by 7 to 10 degrees from its default setting for eight hours each day, homeowners could save up to 10% on heating and cooling costs. This works out to roughly $180 per year for the average home. Use these tips for your programmable thermostat to save your heating and cooling costs as much as possible.
How to Purchase a Programmable Thermostat
As you compare them, look at how well each thermostat works with the rest of your HVAC system. For instance, a thermostat designed for forced air heating and cooling may not be appropriate for radiant floor heating.
Then, examine the scheduling controls. Four daily programs are typically included with programmable thermostats: Wake, Leave, Home, and Sleep. Throughout the week, several varieties offer varying levels of power. The following are the four main options:
- Seven-day programming involves daily schedule changes. This is great if your family's schedule changes frequently.
- Programming for 5-1-1 is available on a daily schedule and separate Saturday and Sunday schedules. This is advantageous if your weekly routine is the same Monday through Friday but varies on Saturday and Sunday.
- With 5-2 programming, you can design different weekday and weekend programs.
- The daily schedule for programming that lasts one week is the same.
Configuration Guidelines for Programmable Thermostats
With a programmable thermostat, you can plan setback times while you're away or asleep, which makes energy conservation easier. Create the settings you want at the start of the season. Even though you can pick the times and circumstances that are ideal for your family, here is an illustration of what a typical weekday schedule might entail:
- Around 7:00 a.m., the temperature is just right for you to feel comfortable when you wake up. The DOE recommends 68 degrees in the winter and 78 degrees in the summer.
- Thirty minutes before leaving for work, depart at 8:00 a.m. and lower the thermostat's setting by 10 degrees. In the winter, this temperature should be around 58 degrees, while in the summer, it should be 88 degrees.
- I'll be home by 5:30. The automatic recovery period maintains a comfortable temperature before you get home from work. This setting should be around 68 degrees in the winter, while in the summer, it should be around 78 degrees.
- Taking a 10:10 p.m. snooze 30 minutes before bed, turn the temperature to the evening setting. You ought to fix this daily temperature to 65 degrees in the winter and 80 degrees in the summer.
How to Maximize the Savings from a Programmable Thermostat
A programmable thermostat's finest feature is that it allows you to conserve energy without compromising comfort. Recall these things to get the most out of your upgrade:
- Preset settings should not be changed; if you're very uncomfortable, you may always adjust the temperature. But if you constantly change the scenes, your energy usage will rise. Put on an extra jacket in the winter, or grab a fan in the summer before adjusting the thermostat.
- Select the appropriate "hold" option. You may instantly alter the temperature on any programmable thermostat without affecting the prior setting. This "temporary hold" is only in effect until the following period. You can place your account on "permanent/vacation hold" while you go on long trips. This permanently overrides the settings. Once you manually release the hold, the thermostat will resume operating according to your regular schedule.
- Steer clear of abrupt temperature shifts. Only adjust the thermostat a few degrees if you need to modify a setting. You should feel more at ease after making this minor adjustment, and you'll save energy by not drastically raising or lowering the thermostat.
- Replace the batteries: Most programmable thermostats require batteries to protect the settings from being lost during a power outage. Make it a habit to check the batteries once a year at a time you'll remember, like the beginning of the school year or when the kids return for the second semester.
To start saving, install a programmable thermostat.
Get assistance picking and installing a programmable thermostat from HVAC Repair Guide Experts if you want to set it up once and leave it alone. We can also give more details about Wi-Fi programmable thermostats, which have greater benefits due to features like remote temperature control, learning capabilities, motion sensors, the creation of energy reports automatically, and more. For additional information or to schedule a free thermostat inspection, get in touch with the HVAC Repair Guide Experts' office closest to you right away.
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