Just a decade ago, the idea of leaving home without your cell phone or laptop seemed unthinkable. Nowadays, forgetting these devices prompts an immediate turnaround. While we can’t predict the future at Experts In Your Home, some forecasts are clear, especially in our field, like heating systems. Here’s one prediction we’re confident about: once you experience life with a programmable thermostat, you won’t want to go back – much like your reliance on your cell phone or computer.
At Experts In Your Home, we advocate for programmable thermostats not only because they can save energy and money, but also because they offer convenience and comfort. Research from the U.S. Department of Energy suggests that homeowners who use programmable thermostats wisely, like adjusting the temperature by 7 to 10 degrees for eight hours during the winter, can cut their utility bills by approximately 10 percent annually.
However, change can be challenging, just like adjusting to charging your phone nightly or storing data on a cloud once was. But once you understand how programmable thermostats work and follow a few simple tips, you’ll appreciate this technology and its benefits.
Getting Started: Programmable thermostats enable homeowners to preset temperature settings hours, days, or even weeks in advance, aligning with their daily routines. The goal is to optimize comfort while minimizing energy usage. But don’t worry, you’re not bound to these settings; you can adjust them as needed, even remotely if your thermostat is connected to your smartphone.
A Typical Schedule: Creating a schedule tailored to your family’s needs is part of the fun of using a programmable thermostat. Here’s an example schedule for the winter months:
- 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. (morning): 68 degrees
- 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (daytime): 60 degrees
- 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. (evening): 68 degrees
- 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. (night): 60 degrees
Additional Tips: To maximize energy savings with your programmable thermostat, consider these tips:
- Maintain temperature settings for at least eight consecutive hours.
- Avoid using the override feature excessively, similar to how you managed a manual thermostat.
- Utilize the “hold/permanent/vacation” setting for prolonged absences rather than daily adjustments.
- Install programmable thermostats on each level of your home for optimal efficiency.
While we can’t predict the weather, we’re confident in the benefits of programmable thermostats. Let Experts In Your Home show you their value with a consultation – reach out to us today!