A programmable thermostat is an investment that consistently pays off by lowering energy bills while increasing comfort. Whereas a manual thermostat keeps your home at a steady temperature until you adjust it, a programmable model allows you to preset the temperature. Maximize your investment and get the most energy savings with these great tips.
Choose Wisely
Different types of thermostats are available, and they’re categorized by their scheduling style:
- 7-day programming – This flexible model allows you to program a different cooling and heating schedule each day of the week.
- 5+2 programming – This model is ideal for families who operate on one schedule Monday through Friday, and another on the weekend.
- 5 +1+1 programming – This thermostat option works best for those with a consistent schedule on weekdays, but varying schedules on Saturday and Sunday.
Seasonal Programming Tips
Along with wake and sleep times, and leave and return times, program settings are based on seasons:
- Summer settings – When you’re home and awake, use an energy saving setting of 78 degrees. Turn up the air conditioner 10 degrees about an hour before you head out or to bed, and lower it 30 minutes before you’re due to get up or come home.
- Winter settings – Program the thermostat to 68 degrees while you’re up and home, and down 10 to 15 degrees for times you’re asleep or away. Allow 30 minutes for your home to heat up before you wake or arrive home.
Take a Vacation
Your programmable thermostat likely has two types of “hold” features. One is temporary, allowing you to override the current settings until the next cycle. The other is best used during extended periods of absence. Avoid using the override feature if possible, which will negate energy savings. If you’ll be away 48 hours or more, use the vacation/hold feature, which is set at a constant, efficient temperature.
Learn more about Senica Air Conditioning, Inc. Inc.’s, programmable thermostat options, or call 866-881-5935.
