Have you jumped on board the energy efficiency train yet, trying to squeeze every last dollar from your energy bills and save the planet all at the same time? There are a lot of ways to increase the power of your home when it comes to reducing energy costs, but some methods will prove more profitable than others. A programmable thermostat is one option the can help you save on heating and cooling costs. But how do you make sure you are getting the most out of your new thermostat?
Your programmable thermostat should be installed in a central location to ensure accurate temperature readings. You also want to avoid drafty areas and areas exposed to direct sunlight to prevent your temperature readings from being skewed.
To achieve maximum energy savings from your programmable thermostat, you should program the thermostat to reduce its normal energy settings for at least one eight hour period per day. Some homeowners reduce their energy settings while at work, programming their thermostat to kick back to a normal temperature just before they arrive home. Other people find it comfortable to reduce energy settings during the night time, especially throughout the winter.
In addition to the length of time your energy settings are reduced, the degree to which the reduction is made also plays a big role in the amount of money your programmable thermostat will save you. Each time you reduce your settings, you should adjust the temperature settings by 10 to 15 degrees. This is enough of a reduction to have an impact on costs while you are not at home, but not so much of a reduction that bumping your thermostat back to a normal temperature negates all of the energy you had saved.
Depending on your lifestyle, it may make sense for you to install a specific type of programmable thermostat. Some models are designed for homeowners operating around a 9 to 5 work schedule while others allow for daily programming. If you are considering having a programmable thermostat installed, consulting with a heating and cooling professional can provide you with all the information you need based on your type of home as well as on your basic needs.
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