How to Save Energy and Money with a Programmable Thermostat

How would you like to cut your utility bills by about $180 a year? A programmable thermostat on your heating and air conditioning unit can do just about that much good. According to the Energy Star website, about half of the approximately $2200 that homeowners spend on energy bills goes to heating and cooling. Find out how a programmable thermostat can help shave energy costs.

Setpoints

There are four pre-programmed setpoints on this type of thermostat. These setpoints are designed to save energy and cost. By using them instead of manually moving your thermostat, you will stay comfortable on less energy use.

• Wake - Designed to come on at 6 a.m., the wake setting has a heating temperature of under 70 degrees and a cooling temperature of over 78 degrees F.
• Day - Designed to come on at 8 a.m., the day setting has a heating temperature set back at least 8 degrees and a cooling temperature set back at least 7 degrees F.
• Evening - Designed to come on at 6 p.m., the evening setting has a heating temperature of under 70 degrees and a cooling temperature of over 78 degrees F.
• Sleep - Designed to come on at 10 p.m., the sleep setting has a heating temperature set back at least 8 degrees and a cooling temperature set back at least 7 degrees F.

Proper Usage

Another key factor in getting the most out of your programmable thermostat is to use it properly. Don't be a slave to the override button to change a pre-programmed setting. Whenever you use the override button you use up more energy and pay more on your utility bill. Don't get crazy with your temperature settings. Placing the heat up to 99 degrees won't be heating your house any faster than setting it for a couple of degrees higher than the home already is. If you are not going to be home for a long period of time use the vacation mode. There is no sense in paying for heating and cooling if you aren't going to be home to use it.

Source: Energy Star