Adjusting a traditional thermostat can be a real pain. If you are constantly changing the setting on your thermostat to maintain a comfortable home, or you are unhappy with how much you spend each year on energy, a programmable thermostat may be a beneficial addition to your home.
Advantages of a Programmable Thermostat
A programmable thermostat can save you two things: time and money. The programmable thermostat allows you to set a daily or weekly schedule for heating and cooling, which if done strategically and consistently, can save you as much as 20 percent on your energy bill.
For example, if you know that your house will be empty from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. every Monday through Friday, you can program the thermostat to adjust the temperature during that time period (up or down several degrees depending in the season), and restore itself to a comfortable level before you return home. This will reduce the amount of power used during that time period, saving you money. Most of these thermostats can have more than six daily settings, which can be manually overridden if something comes up.
Tips For Usage:
The winter and summer months are likely when the most stress is put upon your heating and cooling, and keeping up with temperature fluctuations can be difficult.
In the winter:
- Program your thermostat so that it stays at 68 degrees while you’re at home, depending on your preference.
- Set it eight to 55 degrees while you’re away. Some homeowners do the same when they’re sleeping.
In the summer:
- Set the thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re at home.
- Set it eight to 85 degrees or off while away or asleep.
In general:
- For best results, find the best possible location in your house to put your thermostat. The best location is an interior wall, out of direct sunlight, near or in a heavily used part of the house, usually on the main floor.
- Make your thermostat easily accessible for quick programming.
If you need help installing or programming your programmable thermostat, please contact us at Ross & Witmer.