What Are the Average Savings After Installing a Programmable Thermostat?

You have most likely heard that having a programmable thermostat can lower your heating and cooling costs. While this is genuinely true, you don’t instantly save just by swapping out your old manual thermostat for a programmable one. To maximize your savings, you must select, set up and use a programmable thermostat to the fullest. 

As reported by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), homeowners could save up to 10% on heating and cooling costs if you use a programmable thermostat to consistently adjust the temperature 7 to 10 degrees from its normal setting for eight hours each day. For the everyday home, this amounts to close to $180 per year. Check out these programmable thermostat tips to save the most on your heating and cooling bill. 

How to Shop for a Programmable Thermostat 

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

Then, examine the scheduling functionality. Most programmable thermostats have four daily programs—Wake, Leave, Home and Sleep, or something close. Separate models offer dynamic levels of control during the week. Here are the four primary options: 

• 7-day programming allows a different schedule on a daily basis. This is best if your family’s schedule fluctuates regularly. 
• 5-1-1 programming creates 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 sticks to one schedule for every day of the week. 

How to Set Up a Programmable Thermostat 

The ability to schedule setback periods while you’re gone or sleeping makes it easy 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 schedules, here’s how a typical weekday schedule might look: 

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

Getting Maximum Savings from a Programmable Thermostat 

The best aspect of a programmable thermostat is that you can save energy without sacrificing comfort. Check out these tips to get the most from your upgrade: 

• Try not to override programmed settings: You can always override the set temperature if you feel uncomfortable. That said, your energy usage will increase if you regularly change the settings. Add an extra layer in the winter or grab a fan in the summer before touching the thermostat. 
• Use the correct hold feature: All programmable thermostats allow temporary overrides without deleting the existing setting. This is referred to as a “temporary hold,” which only continues 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 drastic 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 small adjustment while avoiding the energy waste of turning the temperature way up or down. 

• Change the batteries: Most programmable thermostats need batteries to keep the settings from being deleted after 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 A1 Chesney Service Experts for help selecting 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 A1 Chesney Service Experts office today.