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 optimize your savings, you should select, set up and use a programmable thermostat properly. 

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 set back the temperature 7 to 10 degrees from its normal setting for eight hours each day. For the average home, this amounts to about $180 per year. Follow 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, verify the compatibility with the rest of your HVAC system. As an example, radiant floor heating might necessitate a different type of thermostat than one developed for forced-air heating and cooling. 

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

• 7-day programming provides a different schedule each day. This is best if your family’s schedule varies regularly. 
• 5-1-1 programming generates a weekday schedule and separate Saturday/Sunday schedules. This is better if your routine is about the same Monday through Friday but distinct on Saturday and Sunday. 
• 5-2 programming lets you set separate weekday and weekend schedules. 
• 1-week programming sticks to one schedule for the entire week. 

How to Set Up a Programmable Thermostat 

The capability to schedule setback periods while you’re out of the house or sleeping makes it easier to save energy with a programmable thermostat. Establish the settings you want at the start of the season. While you can choose the times and temperatures that are best for your family’s schedules, here’s how an ordinary weekday schedule might look: 

• Wake at 7:00 am: The thermostat provides a comfortable temperature in time for you to wake up. The DOE suggests 68 degrees in the winter and 78 degrees for the summer. 
• Leave at 8:00 am: Instruct the thermostat to set the temperature back 10 degrees about 30 minutes before leaving for work. This setting should be about 58 degrees in the winter and 88 degrees for the summer. 
• Home at 5:30 pm: The automatic recovery schedule ensures a comfortable temperature before you are home for the day. This setting should be around 68 degrees in the winter and 78 degrees in 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 benefit of a programmable thermostat is that you can save energy without losing out on comfort. Follow these tips to get the most from your upgrade: 

• Avoid overriding programmed settings: You can always override the set temperature if you are really uncomfortable. However, your energy usage will go up if you consistently change the settings. Add an extra layer in the winter or use a fan in the summer before adjusting the thermostat. 
• Use the correct hold feature: All programmable thermostats allow temporary overrides without deleting the current setting. This is known as the “temporary hold,” which only lasts 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 disable the hold. 
• Don’t make drastic temperature changes: When you must override a setting, adjust the thermostat by just a degree or two. You should feel more comfortable after making this minor adjustment while avoiding the energy waste of cranking the temperature way up or down. 

• Change the batteries: Most programmable thermostats need batteries to prevent the settings from being deleted during a power outage. Make a habit of changing the batteries annually 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, choose Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing for help finding and installing a programmable thermostat. We can also share more info 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 information or to request a free thermostat assessment, please call your local Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing office today.