What Are the Average Savings After Installing a Programmable Thermostat?

You have probably heard that installing a programmable thermostat can lower your heating and cooling costs. While this is certainly true, you don’t automatically save just by swapping out your old manual thermostat for a programmable one. To maximize your savings, you must select, set up and use a programmable thermostat properly. 

According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), homeowners can save up to 10% on heating and cooling costs by using a programmable thermostat to automatically set back the temperature 7 to 10 degrees from its normal setting for eight hours every day. For the average home, this amounts to about $180 per year. Follow these programmable thermostat tips to save the most on your heating and cooling costs. 

How to Shop for a Programmable Thermostat 

As you compare thermostats, check the compatibility with your HVAC system. For instance, radiant floor heating may require a different type of thermostat than one designed for forced-air heating and cooling. 

Then, assess the scheduling options. Most programmable thermostats have four daily programs—Wake, Leave, Home and Sleep, or something similar. Different models offer varying levels of control throughout the week. Here are the four primary options: 

• 7-day programming allows for a different schedule every day. This is best if your family’s schedule varies daily. 
• 5-1-1 programming offers a weekday schedule and separate Saturday/Sunday schedules. This is best if your routine is consistent Monday through Friday but different on Saturday and Sunday. 
• 5-2 programming lets you set separate weekday and weekend schedules. 
• 1-week programming follows one schedule for every day of the week. 

How to Set Up a Programmable Thermostat 

The ability to program setback periods while you’re away or sleeping makes it easy to save energy with a programmable thermostat. Establish the settings you want at the start of the season. While you can choose the times and temperatures that work best for your family’s needs, here’s how a typical weekday schedule might look: 

• Wake at 7:00 am: The thermostat reaches a comfortable temperature in time for you to get out of bed. The DOE recommends 68 degrees in the winter and 78 degrees in the summer. 
• Leave at 8:00 am: Program the thermostat to set the temperature back 10 degrees about 30 minutes before leaving for work. This setting should be about 58 degrees in the winter and 88 degrees in the summer. 
• Home at 5:30 pm: The automatic recovery period resumes a comfortable temperature before you get home from work. This setting should be about 68 degrees in the winter and 78 degrees in the summer. 
• Sleep at 10:30 pm: Program the thermostat to the nighttime temperature about 30 minutes before bed. This nighttime setting should be about 65 degrees in the winter and 80 degrees in the summer. 

Getting Maximum Savings from a Programmable Thermostat 

The best part about a programmable thermostat is that you can save energy without sacrificing comfort. Follow these tips to get the most from your upgrade: 

• Avoid overriding programmed settings: You can always override the current temperature if you feel uncomfortable. However, your energy usage will increase if you consistently change the settings. Don an extra layer in the winter or turn on a fan in the summer before adjusting the thermostat. 
• Use the correct hold feature: All programmable thermostats allow temporary overrides without deleting the existing setting. This is known as the “temporary hold,” which only lasts until the next programmed time. The “permanent/vacation hold” is for when you leave town. This overrides the settings indefinitely. The thermostat won’t resume your regular schedule until you manually remove the hold. 
• Don’t make drastic temperature changes: When you must override a setting, adjust the thermostat by only a degree or two. You should feel more comfortable after making this slight adjustment while preventing the energy waste of cranking the temperature way up or down. 

• Change the batteries: Most programmable thermostats run on batteries to prevent the settings from being deleted during a power outage. Make a habit of changing the batteries yearly at a time you can easily remember, such as the new year or when the kids go back to school in the fall. 

Start Saving by Installing a Programmable Thermostat 

If you’re ready to set it and forget it, turn to Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing for help selecting and installing a programmable thermostat. We can also tell you about Wi-Fi programmable thermostats, which offer even more benefits thanks to remote temperature control, learning capabilities, motion sensors, auto-generated energy reports and more. For additional information or to request a free thermostat assessment, please contact your local Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing office today.