Using a programmable thermostat is a great, easy way to make your home more energy efficient. It’s estimated that you can save an average of $180 each year through proper use of a programmable thermostat.

The average cost of a programmable thermostat is anywhere from $30 to over $200, and the type you choose depends on the features you’re looking for, your budget, and your needs. Learning how to properly program your thermostat is vital to notice a difference in your monthly energy costs.

Rules for Proper Use of Your Programmable Thermostat

Installing a programmable thermostat is a relatively simple task that you should be able to perform yourself. First, make sure you shut off the power to the circuit before you begin. Then, simply follow the manufacturer’s instructions, connecting the new unit to the same wiring as your old one. Of course, if you’re not comfortable with the installation, Efficient Heating and Cooling can help!

Keep in mind that your thermostat should be on an inside wall of your home, away from windows, doors, drafts and sunlight. Being exposed to extreme or sudden heat or cooling changes will affect its efficiency. Also, never place furniture in front of your thermostat, as this could block the air movement around it.

Once the programmable thermostat is installed properly, there are a few things to keep in mind to keep it working at its most efficient:

• Consider your schedule. Programmable thermostats are generally available with four different scheduling cycles, depending on the type you chose. You can either schedule a program for each day of the week, or the weekdays and the weekend days, either together or separately. Set the thermostat to 68 degrees in the winter during the hours you are home and awake, and around ten degrees cooler overnight. Turning your thermostat down by 10 to 15 degrees for an 8 hour period will actually save you 5-15% on your heating bill!
• Avoid overriding the program. The thermostat will allow you to override the current heat or cool setting to make the home temporarily warmer or colder. Try not to use this feature very often; consistently overriding the settings will use more energy, which in turn will cost you more money.
• Don’t crank it up or down. You might think that adjusting the temperature much higher or lower all at once will heat or cool your home faster, but this is not the case. Instead, if your home feels too cold, say when you arrive home from work in the winter, change the set time of the program so the heat starts running a bit earlier. This will help keep your home comfortable while you’re there.
• Change the batteries. Many programmable thermostats run on batteries, so don’t forget to change them out at least once a year. It’s advised to change the batteries in the thermostat at the same time you’re changing the batteries in your smoke detectors or carbon monoxide detectors.

Spend a few days tweaking your programmable thermostat until the schedule meets your needs. Once you have the perfect program, you can simply “set it and forget it” to keep your home comfortable all year long.

Have questions about your programmable thermostat? If you’re in the Cleveland area, give us a call at 216-663-6462.