A programmable thermostat is a great energy- and money-saving tool that you can use to create heating and cooling schedules based on home occupancy patterns. To maximize the benefits of your programmable thermostat, keep in mind a few operating tips. These tips are universal to all programmable thermostats, and can be applied no matter what make or model you may be using.
First, create set points that allow you to maintain an energy-saving temperature for at least eight hours per day. By setting your thermostat back by 5 to 10 degrees for that length of time, you can slash your home heating and cooling costs by as much as 10 percent. The best times to maintain these set-point temperatures are during the day, when household residents are away at work or school, and at night when everyone is asleep.
Avoid holding or overriding your pre-set schedules as much as possible. Extended holds and manual overrides cause a spike in your household energy consumption, which in turn leads to inflated utility bills. Instead, alter the programmed settings to reflect the desired changes in your heating and cooling schedule.
Do not place your thermostat on a wall that receives direct sunlight, and avoid putting it near doors, windows, skylights and drafty areas. Since these areas are subject to significant temperature fluctuations, your thermostat may generate inaccurate “ghost readings” that could cause deviations from your set heating and cooling schedule, leading to diminished comfort and potentially higher energy bills.
If you live in a home with multiple levels, or if you live in a single-level home with a sprawling floorplan and large windows, you should consider implementing a zoning system. Combined with programmable thermostats for each area, a zoning system can dramatically reduce your annual household energy consumption.
If you’d like more information on programmable thermostats and zoning systems, or if you have any other home comfort questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us at Geisel Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. We’ve been providing residents of the greater Cleveland area with superior service for more than 77 years.
Our goal is to help educate our customers 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.
Geisel Heating, Air Conditioning and Plumbing services Western Cleveland. Visit our website to see our special offers and get started today! For those Do it Yourselfers who would rather take control of your own indoor comfort, you can shop our online store for replacement parts, products and accessories!
