Heating and Cooling
Energy Savings Tips

How To Save on Heating and Cooling Bills with a Programmable Thermostat

Many people heat or cool their homes unnecessarily when they are away from home. Many more heat their home throughout the night, when a blanket is all the warmth they need. The use of a programmable thermostat allows you to heat or cool your home to your preferred temperature only when you are home and awake. You can set the thermostat to start warming or cooling the house just prior to your arrival home, or in the morning just before you get out of bed.

Many programmable thermostats can be set to several temperatures settings for three or more time periods each day. Some models allow different settings on weekends and weekdays while others allow a unique program for each day of the week.

When programming a thermostat, you will typically set the maximum and minimum range of temperatures for the thermostat to maintain. It is a common misconception that it is cheaper, or at least easier on your furnace or A/C, to leave the heat or A/C running, set to a minimal temperature. The fact is you can realize dramatic savings by turning the heat and A/C off while away. Each hour away increase your savings. With a programmable thermostat, you can program the heat or A/C to begin conditioning your home just in time for your arrival.

The use of a programmable thermostat can save a substantial amount of energy. As a rule of thumb, for every degree (F) per hour you set back your thermostat, you save 1/8 of one percent on your energy bill. Setting back your thermostat 10 degrees for 8 hours would reduce your energy consumption by about 10%. Use these features while away at work and while sleeping, and you may be able to save 20% on your heating and cooling expense.