Will A Programmable Thermostat Save Me Money?

by David Gray Heating and Air

The largest portion of a home or business’ power bill goes to cooling and heating, which naturally makes you wonder what if any steps can be taken to lower the cost. Smart business and homeowners always keep an eye on the power bill so they can try and determine if they are spending too much on the air conditioner and furnace bills. The Energy Information Administration or EIA, tells about people using more than 42 percent of their energy to cool and heat their homes. Anything people can do to make a dent in this percentage will help reduce the energy bill. If your home has a conventional thermostat that is used to control the HVAC system, you may think it is possible to save money by using a programmable thermostat.

Manual Thermostats

Manual thermostats are simple to operate by selecting and setting the temperature you want the HVAC system to get the house, presents problems like causing family members to squabble about readjusting settings because either one is too cold or one is too hot. When there is a programmable thermostat installed, the arguments can be settled ahead of time by making everyone agree to a temperature input that will control the thermostat.

Programmable Thermostats

If you want to have perfect control over the temperature of your business or home, use a programmable thermostat. For example, when no one will be home during the day, program the thermostat to come on at a higher temperature during the summer and a lower temperature during the winter. If it is the holidays or the weekend when everyone is home, program the thermostat to come on more often at everyone's preferred temperature. The thermostat at your business can also be set to come on less on the weekends and after working hours. Most thermostats come with internet connectivity via Wi-Fi, giving you access to update your thermostat using a laptop, mobile device, computer or tablet. The temperature can even be adjusted when you are away from home. For example, if you are at work and are having friends over who require a warmer or cooler temperature, you can still adjust the thermostat so that by the time you get home and your friends come over the temperature will be perfect.

Tips for Added Savings

Some other tips you can do to add to your savings besides using a programmable thermostat include putting on a sweater and slippers to keep warm so you can lower the temperature and save cost. You can also apply weather stripping and insulate the windows to both keep the summer heat out and the winter cold out. If you have shade trees in your yard, they can also shade the house to keep the heat down in the summer.

Of course your HVAC system needs to be kept in good condition. If you think it has been a while since your last HVAC inspection, you probably need to have maintenance and an inspection done as soon as possible. By keeping all the ducts and filters clean and clear, you can be more sure that the system will function efficiently, and thereby save you money. For systems over 10 years of age, be aware that there are models you can get that are more energy-efficient, which will save you money in the long term. You will find a variety of thermostats including programmable ones that will help you keep on top of your energy bill. For information about and details on how to use a programmable thermostat or to schedule the installation of one in your business or home, call your local HVAC professional right away.