Tips for Using a Programmable Thermostat

Introduction

Using a programmable thermostat is one of the smartest ways to save energy and reduce your utility bills. By setting specific heating and cooling schedules that align with your lifestyle, you can ensure your home is comfortable when you need it and conserving energy when you don’t. Here are three practical examples of tips for using a programmable thermostat effectively.

1. Set a Schedule That Matches Your Routine

In a typical household, family members might have different schedules. Understanding when you’re home, away, and asleep can help you set an energy-efficient thermostat schedule.

For example, if you leave for work at 8 AM and return at 6 PM, you can program your thermostat to lower the temperature while you’re away and start warming up your home before you get back. If you typically go to bed around 10 PM, set the thermostat to a comfortable overnight temperature. This way, your heating or cooling system works efficiently, saving you energy and money.

In this case, you might set the thermostat to:

• 6 AM: Heat to 70°F (your morning comfort)
• 8 AM: Lower to 62°F (while you’re at work)
• 5 PM: Heat back to 70°F (when you’re home)
• 10 PM: Lower to 65°F (for sleeping)

2. Utilize Vacation Mode

If you’re planning a trip, take advantage of the vacation mode feature on your programmable thermostat. This setting is designed to maintain a minimal temperature in your home while you’re away, preventing extreme fluctuations that can cause issues.

For instance, if you’ll be away for a week in winter, set your thermostat to 55°F to keep your pipes from freezing without wasting energy heating an empty house. Before you leave, ensure you’ve programmed the thermostat to return to your desired temperature a few hours before you arrive home, so you walk into a comfortable environment.

Example settings for vacation mode might be:

• Departure: Set to 55°F
• Return: Program to warm up to 70°F by 5 PM on your return day.

3. Adjust for Seasonal Changes

As the seasons change, so should your thermostat settings. Many people don’t realize that simply adjusting your thermostat by a few degrees can lead to significant energy savings.

In the summer, setting your air conditioning to 78°F instead of 72°F can save you around 10% on cooling costs. Similarly, in the winter, lowering your thermostat to 65°F during the day and 62°F at night can lead to energy savings.

You can easily program these seasonal adjustments into your thermostat. For example, in the summer months, you could set your thermostat as follows:

• 8 AM: Cool to 78°F
• 9 PM: Raise to 75°F (for nighttime comfort)

Consider making these adjustments at the start of each season to maximize efficiency and savings.

By incorporating these tips into your programmable thermostat usage, you’ll not only save energy but also contribute to a more sustainable environment. Every degree counts!