How To Lower Utility Bills With Programmable Thermostats
As energy costs continue to rise it is important that we all understand how to make the best of it
. A small investment in a new programmable thermostat can save quite a bit of money on your monthly bills. Here is how.Look for Multiple Settings
If you are going to upgrade your thermostat, do not consider it a splurge item. Some features that you may not think you will use will end up being energy efficient in the long run. Look for thermostats that allow you to set schedules. Many will allow you to set a 4 day, 5, day, or 7 day schedule. The reason this saves money is you can set the thermostat to automatically turn up or down based on your work and sleep schedules. Many models will also feature an away schedule you can use when you are planning on being gone for extended periods of time.
It is also a good idea to find thermostats that have auto-recovery programs. In the event of a power outage the programming will return to where you had it set before the power went out.
Invest in A Quality Brand
It is important that you do not skimp and purchase the cheapest model you can find. Cheap is not always going to equal money savings. If you run across a brand that you have never heard of, do some research before you buy it. The higher quality brands will have Energy-Star ratings and warranties to cover any issues. If a company is willing to warranty the product, it is a pretty good chance it is a quality product.
Understanding the Manual
Many people opt to not purchase programmable thermostats, or worse, never program the ones they have because they think it is too complicated. This mistake could end up costing you as much as 15-20% more on your monthly utility bills. Many newer models are smart. Higher end models will actually calculate the amount of time it takes to heat or cool an area to the temperature set, and will automatically adjust the schedule. This can make it much less frustrating. It may take a little time to play around with it to fully understand it. Hang on to the manual, and be sure you understand how to set the thermostat correctly.
Understand What Settings Work
Most programmable thermostats will offer preset defaults. While these are not bad, they tend to be more conservative. If you set your thermostat to between 66-68 degrees during the hours when you get ready for work, and when you come home, you will be comfortable without letting the heater run unnecessarily. Some people can tolerate setting the thermostat as low as 55, but 60-62 is suggested for hours when you are sleeping or the home is not occupied. If you are used to a toasty 72 degrees, it may take some time to get used to the lower temperature, but the savings can make it worth the effort. If you have a drafty room, consider adding some warming blankets to make everyone comfortable without expending extra energy.
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