Programmable thermostats have become the gold standard for homes in recent years. They keep things comfortable with minimal effort, and when used properly, can lead to major cost savings. While most new builds are outfitted with them as a matter of course, shockingly, the Washington Post reports that only 30% of American households have a programmable thermostat. Within that 30%, just over half of these households keep their programmable thermostats in “hold” mode, essentially making them function like the traditional thermostat. This is the equivalent of driving a Maserati, but never taking it on the open road. Here, we’ll break down how to use your programmable thermostat effectively to make sure you’re getting the most out of this essential household device!
Set the right temperature
The first step to using your programmable thermostat effectively is to set the ideal temperature. Of course, this will vary based on your family’s preferences, but the recommended temperature range for optimal energy savings is 68-78°F during the summer and 62-70°F during the winter. You can adjust these temperatures based on your personal comfort level, but keep in mind that the larger the difference between the indoor and outdoor temperature, the harder your HVAC system has to work to maintain the temperature, which can lead to higher energy bills.
Program your thermostat
The beauty of a programmable thermostat is the ability to program it to adjust the temperature automatically based on your schedule. Make sure to program your thermostat to lower the temperature when you’re away from home during the day and raise it back up when you return. You can also program it to lower the temperature at night when you’re asleep and raise it back up in the morning. Not only is this cost-saving, but research shows that people sleep better and wake up more rested in cooler rooms. This also ensures that your HVAC system is not running unnecessarily, which can lead to significant energy savings over time.
Utilize vacation mode
Most programmable thermostats come with a vacation mode setting. If you’re going to be away from home for an extended period of time, such as a week-long vacation, make sure to set your thermostat to vacation mode. This will adjust the temperature to a range that will still protect your home from extreme temperatures, but will not waste energy or money on unnecessary heating or cooling.
Don’t override your program
We’d like to put an exclamation point on this one! One common mistake homeowners make is overriding the program they’ve set for their thermostats. While it may be tempting to manually adjust the temperature when you feel too warm or too cold, doing so defeats the purpose of having a programmable thermostat. If you’re consistently overriding your program, it’s time to reassess your settings and adjust them to better suit your needs.
Upgrade your thermostat
If you’re still using an old, outdated thermostat, it may be time to upgrade to a newer, more advanced model. Modern programmable thermostats offer features such as Wi-Fi connectivity, smartphone compatibility, and more advanced programming options, which can lead to even greater energy savings. Unsure of which to choose? We can help!
Use a smart thermostat
If you’re looking to take your energy savings to the next level, consider investing in a smart thermostat. Smart thermostats use advanced algorithms and machine learning to optimize your HVAC system’s performance and maximize energy savings. They also offer features such as real-time energy monitoring, voice control, and remote access, which can help you save even more money on your energy bills. At Martin Air, we include an Ecobee Wi-Fi smart thermostat upgrade with every new ac unit purchased and installed.
To recap: simply having a programmable thermostat in your home is not enough to drive results. To use your programmable thermostat effectively, make sure to set the right temperature, program your thermostat to adjust the temperature based on your schedule, utilize vacation mode, avoid overriding your program, and consider upgrading to a newer or smarter thermostat. That way, you can ensure you’re getting max energy savings and not spending unnecessarily on your energy bills.
Need a New Thermostat?
Need help with a thermostat in the Phoenix Metro area? We’ve got you! Our team of experts can help you choose the ideal thermostat for your home and ensure that it’s installed correctly for optimal performance. Martin Air offers a wide range of thermostat services, including installation, maintenance, and emergency repair. Backed by decades of experience, our courteous and dependable service technicians are a trusted choice for home and business owners throughout Phoenix, Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Tempe, Chandler, Gilbert, and Queen Creek area.
Get in touch to see how we can help!
Available 24/7 for All Your HVAC Needs
REQUEST SERVICE