There are two major benefits to installing a programmable thermostat (rather than one without a digital display and advanced programming options). First, a programmable thermostat can help you to stay more comfortable. Second, a programmable thermostat can help you to save money.
It’s up to you to put in the work.
Of course, without your help, the thermostat won’t help you to save any money at all. If you keep using your thermostat as if it didn’t have any programmable settings—leaving it at one temperature for most of the day and manually changing it throughout the day—it’s not much different from having an old manual thermostat with a dial to control the temperature or a sliding switch.
Learn how your thermostat works.
To get the most out of your programmable thermostat, you need to have a plan in place. Many homeowners never take complete advantage of the multiple scheduling options and settings a programmable thermostat has to offer simply because they aren’t clear about how the thermostat works. Consult your manual. Call a technician. Or try an internet search for your thermostat’s make and model.
Come up with a schedule.
You have a general idea of your schedule, and you can always make changes later if need be. Have the thermostat shut off the heating or AC system, or raise or lower the temperature, when you plan to be at work every day. And keep it at an efficient temperature during the day. We recommend:
- 78 degrees for home cooling, or a lower temperature that is cool enough for everyone’s comfort but warm enough to save some energy.
- 68 degrees for heating, or a higher temperature that everyone can agree on.
Keep in mind that adjusting the thermostat settings to an extreme won’t cool you down or heat you up any faster. Turning up the temperature to 80 degrees on a cold day will only use more energy, but it will still heat your home at the same rate.
ACI Northwest is here to help with your home comfort needs or concerns in Coeur d’Alene. Please do not hesitate to contact us for helpful advice.