Just like any high-tech device, your home’s programmable thermostat is only useful and effective when operated properly. Programming and operating your programmable thermostat the way it’s intended to be used is easy when you follow a few helpful guidelines.
Timely settings: Have your thermostat remain at its programmed energy-saving points for as long a period as possible. When you’re away at work or asleep at night are both ideal eight-hour (or more) stretches to utilize energy-conserving tempe
ratures.
Avoid “Hold”: Most programmable thermostats have a “hold” option that lets you override the preset program to raise or lower the temperature in special circumstances. This setting only lasts until the next preset point but using it extensively reduces energy saving and increases your monthly bills.
Vacation option: When you’re going to be away from your house for an extended period of time on vacation or work trip, you can program your thermostat to keep it a continual, economical temperature with the “vacation” option. This option holds the temperature constant and isn’t subject to any overrides from previously set programming.
Avoid big temperature adjustments: Turning the temperature on your thermostat up or down several degrees abruptly doesn’t instantly adjust the temperature in the house. All systems take a set amount of time to bring the home’s interior to the desired comfort level. It’s better to check the forecast and plan ahead. Modify the program to the proper warm or cool temperature to counter outside conditions.
Utilize zoned heating and cooling: In a larger home or one with multiple levels, designating different heating and cooling zones improves the efficiency of your system. Zoning systems utilize multiple thermostats and dampers controlled by one main programmable control panel where you designate each area’s temperature. This is useful because you’re only heating or cooling areas that need it.
Check the batteries: Checking that the batteries are working is one of the smallest but most important steps to keep your programmable thermostat performing at its best. Without properly working batteries, the thermostat forgets settings and could stop working. (Some of these devices are wired into your home’s electrical system.)
For more ways to get the most out of your programmable thermostat, please contact us at Marsh Heating & Air Conditioning today. We provide quality HVAC services to the Twin Cities.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota 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.
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