Use It Right, and Your Programmable Thermostat Will Pay You Back

Do you dread getting that first energy bill of the summer? You know — the one that shows just how much energy you’re spending to keep your home comfortable during the summer heat. If you want to find ways to save money on that summer energy bill, a programmable thermostat is a good way to start.

Programmable thermostats allow you to set up a schedule for when your family will be at home and away from home. When you are at home, you can have the thermostat keep your cooling at a comfortable level. When you’re away from home, the thermostat will let the house heat up to a more energy-saving level. Just before you get back home, the thermostat will bring the house’s temperature back down to a comfortable level, saving you quite a bit of money each month on your cooling bills.

The problem is that, unless you program and use programmable thermostats properly, you will not see those savings. Here are a few tips to properly use programmable thermostats and, therefore, maximize your potential savings:

• Be sure the thermostat is installed on an interior wall, away from sunlight, heating/cooling registers, fireplaces or heat-producing appliances.
• If you are going to be away from the house for more than 24 hours, use the “hold” button to keep the house at an energy-saving temperature while you’re away.
• Do not use the override feature on the thermostat unless necessary. If you are homesick or have a day off, the override feature can help you keep the house comfortable during a normal energy savings period.
• If you have a home with multiple heating/cooling zones, you will need a thermostat in each zone to maximize your potential savings.

When you invest in a programmable thermostat, it will pay you back in significant energy savings all year round. For more information on how to keep your heating and cooling bills to a minimum, contact us here at Brennan’s Heating & Air.