Using a programmable thermostat properly requires knowing your usual schedule. By programming your thermostat based on when you and your family are away from home, you can maximize energy savings while also reducing costs.
If you are always gone between the hours of 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. each day, program the thermostat to raise or lower the
temperature during this time. Doing so for at least eight hours each day can lead to significant savings.
Here are some specific pointers to take into account when you’re ready to program your thermostat:
- For maximum savings, set the at-home temperature to a comfortable temperature above 70 degrees. Lower temperatures will cost more in the summer and will likely not provide enough heat in the winter.
- Program the thermostat to change to your desired temperature one hour before you arrive home. This will ensure the house is cool or warm enough when you arrive.
- Set the away temperature to 8-10 degrees colder in the winter and 8-10 degrees warmer in the summer. Have the settings change right as you leave the house in the morning.
- Set the night temperature to 8-10 degrees cooler in the winter. Program the temperature to start going down about one hour to 30 minutes before you go to sleep.
- Set the “vacation” program to run at the warmer or cooler temperature the entire time you are gone. You can set the program about 10-15 degrees warmer or cooler than the comfortable temperature while you are away. Set the program to return to the normal temperature about two hours before you plan to arrive home.
For more information about how programmable thermostats can save you money or to discuss other HVAC needs, contact us at Marsh Heating & Air Conditioning. We have over 33 years of HVAC experience serving the Twin Cities area.
Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about programmable thermostats and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
Marsh Heating and Air Conditioning services Minnesota’s Twin Cities. Visit our websiteto see our special offers and get started today!
Photo courtesy of Shutterstock.