So, your HVAC technician has just left the house after installing a new programmable thermostat. He gave you a quick tutorial on how to operate it. However, it’s also important to know some guidelines on how to achieve meaningful energy savings. Here are some useful tips to help you save energy with your programmable thermostat.
Programming Setbacks
When you program the device, make sure you include temperature setbacks of at least eight hours per day (unless you plan to be home). Setbacks need to last for several hours at a time in order to save energy.
Program substantial setbacks for when you’re away or sleeping, meaning 4-6 degrees higher than comfort level in the summer and the same amount lower in the winter.
Program the thermostat to return the temperature to your comfort level about a half hour before you expect to return home from work or when you wake up. You’ll never realize the house was colder or warmer than normal.
Overriding Your Settings
As much as possible, avoid overriding the programmed settings. Sometimes this will be unavoidable like when you take a day off work or arrive home early. However, don’t use this option too often. Overriding setbacks will defeat the energy-saving potential of your programmable thermostat.
If you plan to be gone for a few days or longer in the winter or summer, program the thermostat at an energy-saving setting throughout your absence. This will prevent damage to your home and belongings from extreme temperatures. During milder weather, just turn off your HVAC system.
For more advice on operating your new programmable thermostat, please contact us at Ace Hardware Home Services, Inc. We’ve been serving Dayton-Springfield area homeowners for three generations.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Dayton, Ohio about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).
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