What Are the Average Savings After Installing a Programmable Thermostat?

You have likely heard that having a programmable thermostat can lower your heating and cooling costs. While this is certainly true, you don’t automatically save just by replacing your old manual thermostat for a programmable one. To optimize your savings, you must select, set up and use a programmable thermostat to the fullest. 

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 change the temperature 7 to 10 degrees from its normal setting for eight hours every day. For the ordinary home, this amounts to around $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, verify the compatibility with the rest of your HVAC system. As an example, radiant floor heating might require a different type of thermostat than one created for forced-air heating and cooling. 

Then, evaluate the scheduling controls. Most programmable thermostats have four daily programs—Wake, Leave, Home and Sleep, or something similar. Separate models offer varied levels of control throughout the week. Here are the four main options: 

• 7-day programming allows a different schedule each day. This is ideal 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 the same 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 capability to schedule setback periods while you’re out of the house or sleeping makes it easier to save energy with a programmable thermostat. Finalize the settings you prefer at the start of the season. While you can choose the times and temperatures that are best for your family’s needs, here’s how the average weekday schedule might look: 

• Wake at 7:00 am: The thermostat achieves a comfortable temperature in time for you to wake up. The DOE suggests 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 around 30 minutes before going to work. This setting should be about 58 degrees in the winter and 88 degrees over 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 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 comfort. Follow these tips to get the most from your upgrade: 

• Don’t override programmed settings: You can always override the set temperature if you are really uncomfortable. Although, your energy usage will increase if you regularly change the settings. Add an extra layer in the winter or turn on a fan in the summer before touching the thermostat. 
• Use the correct hold feature: All programmable thermostats can create temporary overrides without deleting the active setting. This is referred to as a “temporary hold,” which only lasts 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 resume your regular schedule until you manually remove the hold. 
• Don’t make steep temperature changes: When you must override a setting, adjust the thermostat by only a degree or two. You should feel more comfortable after making this slight adjustment while avoiding the energy waste of turning the temperature way up or down. 

• Change the batteries: Most programmable thermostats use batteries to prevent the settings from being deleted because of 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’re ready to set it and forget it, choose Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing for help choosing and installing a programmable thermostat. We can also tell you about Wi-Fi programmable thermostats, which offer even more benefits like remote temperature control, learning capabilities, motion sensors, auto-generated energy reports and more. For more details or to request a free thermostat assessment, please contact your local Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing office today.