Boost Energy Savings: Use Your Programmable Thermostat Properly

A programmable thermostat is a powerful energy saving tool, but it’s only effective when you program it right. Used incorrectly, your thermostat won’t save you money at all. In fact, it can increase your energy usage if you’re not mindful of how you use this technology. Follow these tips for effective and energy efficient thermostat use.

Know Your Energy Saving Set Points 

Do you know the appropriate temperatures for your thermostat or do you adjust on the fly? When you’re home, aim for temperatures as close to the outside temperature as you’re comfortable with. The ideal setting is about 68 degrees in winter and 78 in summer. Get as close to these settings as your personal comfort levels will allow when you’re home.

Adjust When You’re Inactive 

When you’re sleeping or otherwise inactive, you can make your home warmer in summer and cooler in winter. Lower your winter temperatures by 10 to 15 degrees at night and compensate with warm pajamas, flannel sheets and plenty of cozy blankets. Program your thermostat to warm the house again just before you wake in the morning.

Set the temperature at least four degrees warmer in the summer when you’re sleeping. Change your summer bedding appropriately and use lightweight sheets and blankets so you’re comfortable with warmer temperatures. A well-placed bedroom fan works wonders as well.

Choose Appropriate Settings When You’re Out 

Make sure your thermostat knows your work schedule. When the home is empty, you can dramatically reduce your cooling and heating use. You may even turn the system off completely. Set the thermostat to begin adjusting 20 to 30 minutes before you leave and before you return so you’ll never even notice the temperature difference.

For more information on installing or adjusting your programmable thermostat, contact us at Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning. We proudly serve the Lorain area.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Lorain, Ohio 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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