A few weeks ago, we wrote a post about why it’s a good idea to upgrade to a programmable thermostat. This week, we’re going to look at how to put that programmable thermostat to best use. The finest technology in the world can still result in energy waste if it isn’t handled correctly. Here’s the way to handle your programmable thermostat during the winter so that your family members receive the comfort they needs without creating needless energy drain.
How NOT to set the thermostat
First comes the negative advice: don’t push the thermostat up to its highest setting and then pull it back whenever the house grows too hot. This reactive method of thermostat operation is very wasteful. First, a higher temperature setting on a thermostat doesn’t make the heater produce more heat or produce it faster. It only keeps the thermostat running longer until it reaches the temperature setting. You end up with an uncomfortable temperature and a heating system that expended too much power trying to reach it. Second, the hotter it is inside your house, the faster the house loses heat to the outdoors. Maintaining a lower setting will slow down heat loss and keep the house warmer for much longer.
How to set the thermostat
So what’s an ideal programming for the thermostat? The U.S. Department of Energy advises that you program your thermostat at 68°F during the day when people are awake, and lower it by 8° to 10°F at night when people are asleep or when nobody is home. This can result in savings of 5% to 15% off your heating bills over the winter. Many of the current line of programmable thermostats have the ability to create programming for each day of the week, making it easy to optimize these settings.
If you’re looking for new thermostat installation, or you need other assistance with your home heating in Springfield, VA, call on Oasis Heating, A/C & Refrigeration.
