A programmable thermostat allows you to input your daily schedule so that you are using less energy to heat or cool your home while it is unoccupied, reducing the strain on your HVAC system and saving you money.
In this article, we discuss:
- How a programmable thermostat saves energy and money
- How to program your thermostat for maximum savings
- How to choose the right thermostat
If you’re ready to install a programmable thermostat now…
How a programmable thermostat saves energy and money
A programmable thermostat automates adjusting your home’s temperature. By decreasing or increasing your thermostat whenever you’re away from your home or asleep, you can reduce the amount of energy your HVAC system needs to use. The less energy your system uses, the more money you save.
Regularly setting your thermostat temperature back saves energy because it closes the gap between the inside and outside temperature. When the thermostat is set closer to the outside temperature, your HVAC system uses less energy to bring your home to the set temperature.
How much money can you save by decreasing your energy consumption? According to the Department of Energy, you can expect to see approximately 1% in energy savings for every 1°F reduction or increase in temperature over a period of 8 hours. When used correctly, a programmable thermostat can enable you to cut your energy bills by up to 10%.
How to program your thermostat for maximum savings
To maximize your energy savings and comfort, set your programmable thermostat to sync with your household’s schedule.
We recommend reducing or increasing your thermostat by 7-10°F during the times you are outside the house or asleep.
A few tips to keep in mind before setting your thermostat:
- Reduce or increase temperatures 30 minutes before your household leaves for the day and 60 minutes before bedtime
- Return to comfortable temperatures 30 minutes before your household gets out of bed or returns home
- Tweak the program according to your household’s comfort and changes in schedule
Follow these instructions to program the thermostat:
- Press Program or Schedule to input a new schedule
- Use the arrow buttons or number pad to set times and temperatures
- Press Run to start or resume the program
- Press Hold to override the program and lock in the current temperature
How to choose the right programmable thermostat
We recommend choosing a thermostat that fits your household’s schedule and your budget. Here are the five different types of programmable thermostats starting with the most basic:
- 1-week programming: This thermostat allows you to schedule one week ahead of time.
- 5-2 programming: This thermostat allows you to input one schedule for the weekdays and a different schedule for the weekend.
- 5-1-1 programming: This thermostat allows you to input a schedule for the weekdays, a different schedule for Saturday and another one for Sunday.
- 7-day programming: This thermostat allows you to input a different schedule for each day of the week.
- Smart thermostat: A smart thermostat is also programmable. A smart thermostat adjusts to your household’s schedule, which it learns over time.
For more information about installation costs, check out our article: How Much Does it Cost to Install a Home Thermostat in New Jersey?
Are you ready to install a programmable thermostat?
Give us a call at (732) 759-0934 or contact us online.