According to the U.S. Department of Energy, you can save 10 percent on heating and cooling with a programmable thermostat. Knowing how to use your thermostat is key to these savings. Picking the right thermostat is also important.

There are many ways to optimize your home temperature control system. Read on to find out how you can get the most out of your programmable thermostat.

Choosing a Thermostat

There are four main types of programmable thermostats. The seven-day programming option allows you to set a heating/cooling schedule for each day of the week. This is perfect if you don’t follow the same schedule each day.

A 5-1-1 programming option allows for one schedule during the five-day workweek. You then can plan for a different heating/cooling schedule on Saturday and Sunday. A 5-2 option is similar, but Saturday and Sunday keep the same settings with this type of programming.

The last option is one-week programming. This option allows you to set a heating/cooling schedule that repeats through the week.

Setting The Ideal Temperature

The U.S. Department of Energy suggests setting the winter temperature to 68 degrees. You should also plan eight hours per day to lower the temperature by seven to 10 degrees. Most people like to lower the temperature while sleeping since they can stay warm in bed!

Others may choose to lower the temperature while out of the house for work. When you keep the temperature lower, your home loses heat slower than at a higher temperature. This allows your home to keep the heat in longer, reducing the amount of energy it takes to warm your home.

In the summer, the ideal temperature is 78 degrees Fahrenheit. When there are days that you don’t need air conditioning, you can manually turn it off. The lower you set your thermostat, the harder your cooling system has to work.

Your temperature in the summer should be set as high as is comfortable in the summer. You should also plan to raise the temperature while you are not home.

Temperature Control for Your Lifestyle

Many programmable thermostats come pre-programmed for a “typical” family. These settings likely do not fit your lifestyle. Be sure to learn about your thermostat and how to make it function for your life.

Once you know how to program your thermostat, start taking note of your daily activities. When does your household usually wake up and go to bed? Are you going to work or school during the day?

Knowing this will make it easy to set up your desired thermostat settings. It makes it possible to optimize your heating/cooling schedule for your lifestyle.

Programmable Thermostats – The Best Choice

Choosing to use a programmable thermostat will save you money in the long run. Using a temperature control system allows you to fit your heating/cooling needs into your lifestyle. It is an easy way to save energy and keep your home comfortable all year long.

If you need help with installing or choosing a new thermostat, we’re here to help! Our professionals will be there every step of the way. We will be sure you get the best product and service for your family.