By AJ Danboise
Programmable thermostats are now an essential technology. With a programmable thermostat, you don’t have to worry about whether it’s on the most energy efficient setting. A programmable thermostat also keeps track of the humidity levels in your house. In addition, with a new smart programmable thermostat, most settings can be changed from your smart phone.
These features are great… if you know how to use them! While your thermostat will automatically change temperature based on how it is programmed, it is up to you to make sure it is programmed correctly. If your thermostat’s settings are off or are lost, it could end up causing significant energy inefficiency in your home. This will ultimately result in an increase in your utility bills.
When you first have your programmable thermostat installed, it is a good idea to ask the technician to program it for you. They will be happy to show you how and make sure the settings are appropriate for the season that you are in. Unfortunately, though, seasons will change, and the thermostat program will reset or expire after time leaving you to set the new program on your own. The professionals at AJ Danboise Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical have come up with some tips to ensure your thermostat is set to save you money – and keep your home comfortable this winter.
Step 1: The first step is knowing the best energy saving temperatures during the winter and which temperature will make your home feel comfortable without breaking the bank. Energy.gov, recommends turning your thermostat back by 7-10 degrees Fahrenheit for 8 hours a day from its normal setting to save up to 10% a year on heating and cooling.
This is most easily done either at night while most people enjoy cooler temperatures and winter blankets can be used for warmth or during the day while no one is home. During the winter, the temperature should be between 62-66 degrees F for optimal energy efficiency.
Step 2: For an optimal balance between comfort and energy efficiency, when someone is home during the day, set your thermostat between 68 degrees F and 72 degrees F.
Step 3: Plan out your weekly schedule to identify when someone is home and when the house is empty. Include the times that you typically wake up and go to sleep. Then, write the desired temperature next to each of these. It will make programming your thermostat go more smoothly and help eliminate errors. No one wants to wake up to a 62-degree home on Saturday morning!
Step 4: Enter the corresponding days, times and temperatures into your thermostat. Most will give you the option to decide when the program will reset or “expire”. Try to set it at the beginning of every season for the duration of the season. This usually works out to programming your thermostat every 3 months.
Step 5: Try to avoid letting your thermostat automatically resetting by checking the settings every month.
Step 6: Change a digital electronic thermostat’s battery at least once a year.
Some heating systems, such as radiant floor heating and some heat pumps, may not be compatible with a programmable thermostat. A professional can help you determine if a programmable thermostat is right for your home. If it is not right, there are several other ways to save energy and money this winter!
More Energy Saving Tips for the Winter
- Only heat the rooms you use.
- Keep your furnace clean and unblocked.
- Find and seal leaks.
- Maintain your heating system with routine maintenance before the heating season.
- Keep your fireplace damper closed unless a fire is burning. If you don’t use the fireplace, plug and seal the chimney.
- Use LED holiday string lights to reduce the cost of decorating your home for the winter holidays.
For more energy saving tips this winter, check out energy.gov!
The winter months are the perfect time to upgrade to a programmable thermostat if you haven’t already. Our expert technicians at AJ Danboise Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical can install and help you program it to get the most out of your furnace this winter. Call (248) 477-3626 to schedule an appointment today!
