How to Get the Most Energy Savings From Your Programmable Thermostat

Dyess Air Van

A programmable thermostat that automatically changes the temperature of your Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, home can help you save energy and make you and your family more comfortable. To get the most energy savings from your programmable thermostat, choose the right model for your home, program it, don’t override the settings, and pay attention to alerts or reminders.

Choose the Right Model for Your Home

Before you decide on a programmable thermostat, make sure you know what heating and cooling equipment your home has, to ensure the thermostat you pick is compatible.

If your home has a ductless system with more than one indoor unit or a zoning system for your ductwork, you should choose a programmable thermostat that works with zoning. With zoning, each system or indoor unit has its own thermostat, and they’re all connected to a central programmable thermostat. That way, you don’t have to use energy to heat or cool unoccupied rooms.

Several programming options are available. Some programmable thermostats have scheduling options for weekdays and weekends, others have different settings for Saturday and Sunday, in addition to weekdays, and other models have a different setting for every day of the week.

You should choose a programmable thermostat that’s easy to use and convenient for you and your family’s routine. Some models have colorful touch screens with interactive programming, voice activation, and more. If you have kids or have guests frequently, look for a programmable thermostat with a keyboard lock. That way, only people with the right password can change the settings.

Program Your Thermostat

If you don’t program your programmable thermostat or if you set it incorrectly, you won’t save energy. Turning down your heating or air conditioning while you’re asleep or at work won’t help if you make your home warmer or colder than it would normally be while you’re there and awake. Using a programmable thermostat correctly can save an average family about $180 per year in energy costs.

If you don’t want to spend time and effort programming your thermostat, purchase a smart thermostat instead of a programmable model. These devices can learn your routine and program themselves over time. You can control many smart and programmable thermostats with a convenient remote, your computer, or your smartphone. Alternatively, you could ask a heating and air conditioning professional for help with programming your thermostat.

Don’t Override Your Thermostat’s Settings

No matter which settings you choose, they won’t help you save energy if you change them too often.

If parts of your home feel warm or drafty often, you could have a leak in your ductwork or a gap in your insulation. A professional can help by inspecting your home to find the problem.

Pay Attention to Alerts or Reminders

Many smart or programmable thermostats can monitor your home’s humidity and indoor air quality. Some remind you to change your HVAC system’s air filter on a schedule, and others tell you to change your air filter if the indoor air quality drops. You can even find a thermostat that lets you know when the rates for your gas and electricity are higher and reminds you to change its batteries. Paying attention to these alerts can help you save energy, keep your home comfortable, and prevent expensive breakdowns.

Dyess Air & Plumbing has more than 40 years of HVAC experience. We can help you install, maintain, and repair a range of heating and cooling equipment, including programmable thermostats. Call us anytime at (843) 242-0855  for more information about programmable thermostats and excellent service from our experts.

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