Programmable Thermostats—Placement And Settings Are The Key To Enhanced Efficiency
The average American household spends in excess of $2,000 a year on home energy costs, according to the Energy Star program — and almost half of that goes toward heating and cooling. But programmable thermostats, which allow you to preset the times and temperatures at which your heating and cooling systems operate, can help save homeowners about $180 a year, without sacrificing comfort. The placement and settings of programmable thermostats are key to getting the most benefit out of them.
Start by programming your thermostat to set back the temperature in your home when everyone’s out for the day, according to your family’s daily routines. This includes daytime hours when the house is unoccupied and at night when everyone is asleep. According to the Energy Savers program, turning your thermostat back 10 percent to 15 percent for eight hours a day can save you as much as 10 percent on your annual heating and cooling costs. To maximize savings:
- Use your programmable thermostat to its full potential. Most models allow you to program at least six temperature settings a day as well as different programs for weekdays and weekends — or even a different program for each day of the week.
- Avoid making adjustments at the thermostat that override your preset schedule. If the schedule isn’t working for your family, change the program.
For proper installation of a programmable thermostat, it’s important to keep a few considerations in mind. Thermostats should always be mounted on an interior wall and away from potential hot or cold air sources such as vents, windows, doorways or skylights. They should not be placed in a location that receives direct sunlight or in proximity to bright lighting.
Simpson Air can help you choose a programmable thermostat that’s compatible with your system and household’s needs, ensuring its proper installation and teaching you how to best program it for your family’s schedule. Contact us today to get started.
Simpson Air – The Coolest Guys in Town! services the Tampa Bay Area of Florida. Contact us today for your all your heating and cooling needs, including programmable thermostat questions!
