Contact Us: 216-663-6462

Facebook

thermostat settings for energy efficiencyOn a chilly winter’s day, there’s nothing like coming home to a warm and cozy home. If you have a programmable thermostat, you’re probably already well aware of one of its main benefits—keeping your home comfortable while saving you money on your energy bill. But, how can you be sure your energy savings are the best they can be?

Get the Most Out of Your Programmable Thermostat

Everyone in your household probably has their own preferences when it comes to the temperature they’d like the home to be. Maybe your wife enjoys the thermostat set to a balmy 74 degrees, while your kids would rather it be cooler as they run around playing. Regardless, using your programmable thermostat can eliminate some of the “it’s too cold” or “it’s too hot” arguments you’ve grown used to hearing. Plus, according to Energy.gov, you can save as much as ten percent on your heating bill just by setting the thermostat back 7 to 10 degrees for 8 hours each day.

As you’re choosing the settings for your programmable thermostat, keep in mind the times of day when no one is home, as well as when the entire household has gone to bed. These timeframes offer the best opportunity for you to reduce the heat in your home and save some money on your energy bill. If you would like the home to be warm as you arrive home from work or school for the day, set the thermostat to start heating your home about an hour prior to your arrival. This way, it will already be at the right temperature and comfortable when you get there.

But, what are those recommended temperatures that can save you money? In the winter, it’s recommended to set the thermostat no higher than 68 degrees. You might think at first that will be way too chilly for your tastes, but if you start at a higher temperature and gradually decrease it every day or so by one degree, chances are you won’t even notice the difference. The key is to find the temperature that everyone can agree on. Plus, that’s why sweatshirts and blankets were created! Who doesn’t enjoy snuggling up on the couch under some blankets on a chilly winter’s night?

At night time or while the house is empty, you can set the temperature to as low as 55 degrees. At the very least, the thermostat should be set to five to ten degrees lower than your preferred warmest setting. Plus, get out of the habit of resetting the thermostat throughout the week, as this can cause unnecessary wear and tear to your heating system. Keep your thermostat accessible, too—never place furniture in front of it as that can block natural air movement and make it work that much harder.

If you have any questions about your programmable thermostat, contact our team of professionals today! If you’re in the Cleveland area, give us a call at 216-663-6462.