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Programmable Thermostat Features That Let You Manage Comfort And Efficiency

Cutting back on energy use can be done in both big and small ways. Using a programmable thermostat is a small way to add to energy savings. But the control that this small piece of equipment gives a homeowner can result in big savings and greater efficiency.

Opportunities For Savings

Using programmable thermostats to set back temperatures when the home is empty saves on energy and lowers the operating time of the heating or cooling system. This impacts fuel and utility bills and the lifespan of your equipment. There are plenty of times in both winter and summer that programmable thermostats can be programmed to save energy costs.

  • Vacations
  • Holidays away from home
  • Long weekends away
  • School activities
  • Sleeping
  • Meetings
  • Work and school times

Programming the thermostat for times the home is empty puts you in control of heating and cooling. Anytime the home is going to be empty for three or four hours is an opportunity to reduce energy costs. Then, program it to bring the temperature back to normal a short time before your arrival.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, setting back the temperature 10 to 15 degrees for eight hours can produce an annual savings of 10 percent.

Models
and Options

Programmable thermostats come in several different models and allow for up to six different program settings per day. The 5+1 works well for families with set schedules through the week and weekends. The 5+1+1 has standard weekday setting and two separate settings for weekend days. The 7-day model is the most flexible, allowing for different programming choices every day of the week. This type works best for those without set schedules.

There are electromechanical and digital types. The digital programmable thermostat offers more options for setback and overrides but the electromechanical may be easier for some to operate. There are hold settings for vacations and features to program remotely from a phone or over the Internet.

Get more information on options for controlling your home comfort and efficiency by contacting us at Home Comfort Experts. We can explain the many energy-saving features available on programmable thermostats. Call us with your questions. We’re always ready to help.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).ย  For more information about programmable thermostatsย and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

Home Comfort services the Mishawaka/South Bend areas of Indiana. Visit our website to see our special offers to get started today!

Photo courtesy ofย Shutterstock.

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