What Are the Average Savings After Installing a Programmable Thermostat?

You have likely heard that putting in 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 make the most of your savings, you should select, set up and use a programmable thermostat properly. 

As reported by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), homeowners can save up to 10% on heating and cooling costs with the help of a programmable thermostat to routinely adjust the temperature 7 to 10 degrees from its normal setting for eight hours every 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 Secure a Programmable Thermostat 

As you compare thermostats, check the compatibility with the rest of your HVAC system. For instance, radiant floor heating might necessitate a different type of thermostat than one designed for forced-air heating and cooling. 

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

• 7-day programming allows for a different schedule every day. This is perfect if your family’s schedule fluctuates consistently. 
• 5-1-1 programming offers a weekday schedule and separate Saturday/Sunday schedules. This is better if your routine is consistent Monday through Friday but unique on Saturday and Sunday. 
• 5-2 programming lets you set separate weekday and weekend schedules. 
• 1-week programming sticks to one schedule for the whole week. 

How to Set Up a Programmable Thermostat 

The ability to program setback periods while you’re gone 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 determine the times and temperatures that are ideal for your family’s preferences, here’s how a typical weekday schedule might work: 

• Wake at 7:00 am: The thermostat provides a comfortable temperature in time for you to start your day. The DOE recommends 68 degrees in the winter and 78 degrees during the summer. 
• Leave at 8:00 am: Instruct the thermostat to adjust the temperature back 10 degrees about 30 minutes before leaving for work. This setting should be approximately 58 degrees during the winter and 88 degrees in the summer. 
• Home at 5:30 pm: The automatic recovery schedule ensures a comfortable temperature before you return home. This setting should be approximately 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 set to 65 degrees in the winter and 80 degrees through the summer. 

Getting Maximum Savings from a Programmable Thermostat 

The best part about 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 feel uncomfortable. Although, your energy usage will go up if you consistently change the settings. Add an extra layer in the winter or turn on a fan in the summer before changing the thermostat. 
• Use the correct hold feature: All programmable thermostats can create temporary overrides without deleting the active setting. This is called the “temporary hold,” which only continues 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 return to your regular schedule until you manually clear the hold. 
• Don’t make drastic 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 small adjustment while preventing the energy waste of cranking the temperature way up or down. 

• Change the batteries: Most programmable thermostats run on batteries to stop the settings from being deleted because of a power outage. Make a habit of replacing the batteries once a year 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 want to set it and forget it, call Rob's Albertan Service Experts for help finding and installing a programmable thermostat. We can also provide details about Wi-Fi programmable thermostats, which are designed with even more benefits like remote temperature control, learning capabilities, motion sensors, auto-generated energy reports and more. For additional information or to request a free thermostat assessment, please contact your local Rob's Albertan Service Experts office today.