How to Program Your Thermostat for Maximum Energy Efficiency
Your
heating and cooling system requires a lot of energy, and that can cost more
money for you. Making small changes to maximize the efficiency of your system
will help you reduce your energy consumption and your electric bill.
Rely on the Auto Setting
The first step to saving money and energy when it comes to heating and cooling is to set your thermostat to Auto no matter what the temperature or season. This will ensure that your system will kick on when the temperature drops below or rises above the set temperature and stop running when it isn’t needed. If you set your thermostat to settings like On, Cool or Heat, the fan may run continuously and consume more energy than necessary.
Set Your Thermostat to Your Schedule
When you’re away from home for most of the day for work or other obligations, set your thermostat to 5 to 8 degrees Fahrenheit higher during warmer months and 5 to 8 degrees Fahrenheit lower during cooler months. Set the thermostat to return to your preferred temperature 20 to 30 minutes before you return home. You can do the same when your household is asleep and set the thermostat to return to your preferred temperature 20 minutes before the first person gets up in the morning.
What Temperature to Set Your Thermostat to During Each Season
Setting your thermostat at one temperature for the whole year won’t save any money, conserve energy or keep you comfortable. There are widely accepted ideal temperatures that’ll maximize your energy efficiency in the warmer and cooler months, but the temperature you ultimately choose will depend on your personal preference.
Summer Thermostat Settings
In the summertime, 78 degrees Fahrenheit or higher is considered the most energy-efficient temperature to keep your home at when you’re present. If this is uncomfortable for you, try using a fan to cool down the room that you’re occupying or adjust the temperature by 1 or 2 degrees Fahrenheit until you find it agreeable. When first turning on the air conditioning, don’t be tempted to set the thermostat to a temperature that’s cooler than what you actually want. This won’t cool your home faster or save energy.
Winter Thermostat Settings
The ideal temperature for your home when occupied in the winter is 68 degrees Fahrenheit. If this is uncomfortably cool, try layering clothing to warm up before turning up the heat. If you only want to increase the temperature in one or two rooms, try using a space heater rather than using more central heat.
Setting Your Thermostat When You’re Away From Home
When traveling or leaving your home empty for an extended period of time, you might think that the most energy-efficient choice to make is to turn off your heating or cooling system entirely. Turning off your thermostat can unfortunately cause problems ranging from annoying to dangerous. Failing to keep your home heated in the winter can cause pipes to freeze and burst — causing major flooding and damage. In the summer, choosing not to keep your home cool while you’re away can breed excess moisture, which can cause indoor odors and compromise your cooling system from working properly.
How Programming Your Thermostat Can Help You Save Money
Taking the time to preprogram your thermostat for different seasons and situations will ensure that the fan for your heating and cooling system is only actively running when it’s needed — saving you money on your energy bill. Setting your thermostat for optimal seasonal temperatures will also help prevent the system from overworking, which would cause you to spend more on energy. Plus, you’ll prevent unnecessary stress and spending on costly repairs when you set the thermostat properly when you’re away for an extended time. If you lower your home’s temperature by 7 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit for eight hours a day, you can save up to 10% on your energy bill.
You can also consider switching to a smart thermostat that you can control via an app on your phone. That way, you can easily adjust the temperature even when you’re away from home.