Choose the Right Model
Not all programmable thermostats are created equal. The three basic models available today include:
- 7-day model, best if your schedule tends to change from day to day. This type of programmable thermostat gives you the most flexibility for setting different programs on all seven days of the week.
- 5-1-1 model, suitable if your schedule is the same every weekday and different on Saturdays and Sundays.
- 5+2-day model, the least flexible option that works best if your schedule is the same Monday through Friday and the same on Saturday and Sunday, too.
Program Settings Properly
A programmable thermostat doesn’t intrinsically save you money. You must program setback periods to notice a decrease in your utility bills.
For example, you might program four individual periods each day: a comfortable temperature when you wake up, a setback temperature while you’re at work, a comfortable temperature when you’re home in the evening, and another setback temperature when you sleep at night.
Benefit the Most
To get the most from your upgrade, do the following:
- Install the thermostat on an interior wall away from supply registers, heat-generating appliances, skylights, fireplaces, windows, and doorways.
- Set energy-saving setbacks for at least eight hours at a time.
- Use the permanent “hold” setting to save energy while you’re away on vacation.
- Avoid frequently overriding the pre-programmed settings. You increase energy consumption, and therefore your utility bills, each time you do.
- Maximize comfort, convenience, and energy savings by considering zoned heating and cooling.
- Change the batteries once a year. Some units indicate when the batteries are running low.
- Remember, you need a special programmable thermostat if you have a heat pump.
To learn more about saving money with the right programmable thermostat settings, please contact Logan Home Energy Services, proudly serving Winston-Salem, High Point, Greensboro, and surrounding areas.