4 Programmable Thermostat Features for a More Energy-Efficient Home

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Programmable thermostats are becoming increasingly popular as homeowners look for ways to reduce their energy consumption. While there are many different programmable thermostat features available, here are four that can help make your home more energy-efficient. Remember that when it comes to saving energy, every little bit counts.

1. Automatic Scheduling

One of the most basic yet effective programmable thermostat features is the ability to automatically schedule when your heating and cooling system will be turned on and off. This can help to ensure that your home is only being heated or cooled when you actually need it, which can lead to significant energy savings.

Experts offering heating repair services note that most homeowners leave their heating system on all day, even when they’re not home. With an automatic schedule in place, your system will only be turned on when you need it. Just a few hours of reduced heating or cooling can lead to noticeable energy savings over time, so this is definitely a feature worth taking advantage of.

2. Temperature Ranges

Most programmable thermostats allow you to set different temperature ranges for different times of the day. For example, you might set the temperature to be lower when you’re away at work during the day and then raise it again when you come home in the evening. This can be a great way to reduce your energy consumption without sacrificing comfort.

For instance, during summer, you can also take advantage of temperature ranges to keep your home cooler during the day when it’s hottest outside. By setting the temperature a few degrees higher than usual, you can help reduce the load on your air conditioner and lower your energy consumption. Don’t set the temperature too high to avoid discomfort when you come home.

3. Fan Settings

Many programmable thermostats also allow you to control your home’s fan settings separately from the heating and cooling system. This can be useful for circulating air throughout your home without running the air conditioner or furnace unnecessarily. In most cases, it’s best to keep the fan set to “auto” so that it only runs when the heating or cooling system is actually running.

However, there are times when you might want to override the fan setting. For example, if you have a lot of people in your home, you might want to run the fan on a lower setting to circulate the air and improve indoor ventilation to help everyone stay comfortable. Just be sure to turn the fan off when the heating or cooling system is not running to avoid wasting energy.

4. Vacation Settings

If you’re going to be away from home for an extended period of time, some programmable thermostats allow you to put your system into “vacation mode” in order to save energy. This typically involves setting the temperature to a more moderate level so that your home isn’t being heated or cooled excessively while you’re away.

For example, if you’re going on a winter vacation, you can set the temperature lower than usual so that your furnace doesn’t have to work as hard (or at all) while you’re gone. Remember to adjust the temperature to your normal settings when you come back. By taking advantage of vacation settings, you can have peace of mind knowing your home is energy-efficient while you’re away.

Make Use of Programmable Thermostat Features

In conclusion, most homeowners will admit that they don’t adjust their thermostat as often as they should. You can see real results on your energy bill by making a few simple changes to your daily routine and being mindful of your settings. And who doesn’t love saving money? If you don’t have a programmable thermostat, now might be the time to invest in one.

Consult your energy provider or an HVAC specialist to see what other measures you can take to make your home more energy-efficient. You may be surprised at how much money you can save by making a few small changes.