Energy-Saving Tips for Programmable Thermostats

Homeowners are always looking for ways to save on energy costs. Living in New England, we often experience temperature fluctuations that can have our HVAC systems working overtime. If you have invested in a programmable thermostat, you should use it! Homeowners who may be unaware of how to program their thermostat or simply find the task daunting can miss out on significant energy savings.

How can homeowners take advantage of programmable thermostat features?

Avoid Factory Settings

Everyone’s comfort level is different, so it’s unlikely that the factory settings on a programmable thermostat will be the ideal temperature for your family. Instead, set the most comfortable conditions for your own wake, leave, return and sleep times. According to the US Department of Energy:

Colder Months

The thermostat should be lowered 10 degrees before you leave the house and during sleep.

Warmer Months

The thermostat should be set warmer or completely shut off when you leave the house and programmed to turn back on before you return.

Set It and Forget It

There are four types of programmable thermostats to choose from:

• 7-Day: Your family is constantly on the move, so you need to program different settings for every day of the week.
• 5-1-1: You follow the same weekday routine but need to make adjustments on Saturday and Sunday.
• 5-1: You follow the same weekly routine but need to make a weekend adjustment.
• 1-Week: You are comfortable with temperature settings staying the same each day of the week.

Once you have found the right type of thermostat for your family, make sure you program each interval of the day – otherwise, the factory settings will hold a temperature that’s likely not energy-efficient. Save time by programming both the cooler and warmer months at once!

Choose Smart Models

Take the guesswork out of home comfort with a “smart” programmable thermostat with Wi-Fi. These models can be controlled remotely using a mobile app. Check the current temperature of your home while away and make adjustments as needed. Some systems “learn” your family’s comfort levels and know when to adjust without you lifting a finger!

Reap the Rewards

Per the US Department of Energy, you can save 10 percent on annual HVAC costs by turning the thermostat back 7 to 10 degrees for 8 hours a day – ideally, when you are away from home at work. ENERGY STAR estimates an average savings of $180 in single-family homes that follow the setback guidelines.
 
M.J. Fahy & Sons has provided heating and air conditioning service to residential and commercial clients since 1890. If you need to schedule a maintenance appointment for your A/C or furnace, contact us today!