Tips To Make Sure Your Programmable Thermostat is Used Efficiently

If you recently installed a programmable thermostat, you might expect immediate energy savings no matter how you use it. However, you can only enjoy the comfort and energy-saving benefits of programmable thermostats if you use them properly. Here are some guidelines to help you get the most from your new device.

Use energy-saving setbacks The best times to use these are while you’re away from home or sleeping. You get the most from programmed setbacks if they last at least eight hours at a time.

Override the settings sparingly

You always have the option to override an existing setting if you get too hot or too cold. However, the more often you override your programmable thermostat, the higher your energy bills become.

Use the proper hold setting when you go on vacation

When you’re gone for days at a time, use the permanent/vacation setting to override all upcoming regular programs. This prevents you from wasting money conditioning an empty home.

Avoid cranking the temperature way up or down

You risk wasting energy when you turn the thermostat up to 90 degrees or down to 60 degrees, because these temperatures lie outside your comfort zone. Try changing the setting by a degree or two and put on or take off a layer of clothing to increase your comfort.

Consider a zoning system

Zoning saves energy and improves comfort in every room by allowing independent control of temperatures in different sections of your home. Dampers in the ductwork allow a single HVAC system to pair up with multiple programmable thermostats, with one needed for each zone you set up.

Change the batteries

Some units remind you when it’s time to replace the batteries. For those that don’t, make it a yearly habit so the unit doesn’t run out of power when you need it most.

For more tips on using your programmable thermostat properly, please contact the professionals at Sobieski Services, Inc. Our goal is to help educate our customers in Delaware, Pennsylvania, Maryland and New Jersey about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC & plumbing systems).

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