What Are the Average Savings After Installing a Programmable Thermostat?

You have most likely heard that installing a programmable thermostat can reduce your heating and cooling costs. While this is genuinely true, you don’t automatically 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 effectively. 

According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), homeowners could save up to 10% on heating and cooling costs by using a programmable thermostat to routinely set back the temperature 7 to 10 degrees from its normal setting for eight hours each day. For the ordinary home, this amounts to about $180 per year. Try these programmable thermostat tips to save the most on your heating and cooling costs. 

How to Shop for a Programmable Thermostat 

As you look at different thermostats, check the compatibility with your HVAC system. As an example, radiant floor heating might call for a different type of thermostat than one created for forced-air heating and cooling. 

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

• 7-day programming allows for a different schedule on a daily basis. This is perfect if your family’s schedule changes regularly. 
• 5-1-1 programming creates a weekday schedule and separate Saturday/Sunday schedules. This is good if your routine is consistent Monday through Friday but different on Saturday and Sunday. 
• 5-2 programming lets you set separate weekday and weekend schedules. 
• 1-week programming follows one schedule for every day of the week. 

How to Set Up a Programmable Thermostat 

The ability to program setback periods while you’re away or sleeping makes it simpler to save energy with a programmable thermostat. Finalize the settings you want at the beginning of the season. While you can select the times and temperatures that work best for your family’s preferences, here’s how a typical weekday schedule might look: 

• Wake at 7:00 am: The thermostat provides a comfortable temperature in time for you to start your day. The DOE suggests 68 degrees in the winter and 78 degrees in the summer. 
• Leave at 8:00 am: Instruct the thermostat to set the temperature back 10 degrees about 30 minutes before heading into work. This setting should be approximately 58 degrees in the winter and 88 degrees in the summer. 
• Home at 5:30 pm: The automatic recovery schedule provides a comfortable temperature before you get home from work. This setting should be about 68 degrees in the winter and 78 degrees in the summer. 
• Sleep at 10:30 pm: Program the thermostat to the nighttime temperature around 30 minutes before bed. This nighttime setting should be around 65 degrees in the winter and 80 degrees in the summer. 

Getting Maximum Savings from a Programmable Thermostat 

The best benefit of a programmable thermostat is that you can save energy without losing comfort. Try these tips to get the most from your upgrade: 

• Avoid overriding programmed settings: You can always override the set temperature if you are uncomfortable. However, your energy usage will increase if you regularly change the settings. Don an extra layer in the winter or grab a fan in the summer before changing the thermostat. 
• Use the correct hold feature: All programmable thermostats can create temporary overrides without deleting the current setting. This is referred to as a “temporary hold,” which only persists until the next programmed time. The “permanent/vacation hold” is for when you are out of town. This overrides the settings indefinitely. The thermostat won’t return to your regular schedule until you personally remove the hold. 
• Don’t make large temperature changes: When you must override a setting, change the thermostat by just a degree or two. You should feel more comfortable after making this slight adjustment while preventing the energy waste of cranking the temperature way up or down. 

• Replace the batteries: Most programmable thermostats use batteries to stop the settings from being deleted because of a power outage. Make a habit of replacing the batteries annually at a time you can easily remember, like the new year or when the kids head off to school in the fall. 

Start Saving by Installing a Programmable Thermostat 

If you’re ready to set it and forget it, choose Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning 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 thanks to remote temperature control, learning capabilities, motion sensors, auto-generated energy reports and more. For additional information or to request a free thermostat assessment, please call your local Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning office today.