Do you chronically forget to turn down the heat? Not sure you can make a habit out of adjusting the thermostat each day to save energy? Programmable thermostats--also known as a clock or set-back thermostats--could be your savior.
A programmable thermostat allows you to program different temperature settings for when you're at home, at work, awake, or asleep. It also allows you to set different programs for different days (including the weekends), depending on your schedule. And once it's programmed it's entirely automatic, and it works for keeping the house cool in summer months as well.
What You Should Know
- Programmable thermostats can store up to six daily temperature settings, and can program different settings for the weekend versus the workweek. They also automatically adjust what time they turn on as outdoor temperatures change with the seasons.
- You can temporarily override the current setting for three hours without affecting the program, should you want the temperature hotter or colder than it was programmed for.
- For every 1°F that you lower your thermostat, you will save 350 lbs of CO2 per year.
- Using a programmable thermostat can save you at least $100 a year on your energy bill.
Easy Things You Can Do
- When choosing a programmable thermostat, look for the Energy Star logo, which means that the thermostat has at least two programming periods (weekdays and weekends) and the ability to program at least four temperature settings per day (awake, daytime, evening, and asleep).
- Locate your programmable thermostat in the best part of the house to get an accurate home temperature reading. Keep it away from lamps, TVs, heat-emitting appliances, windows, or direct sun. Put some insulation in the hole behind the thermostat as well, when you install it.
- Don't override the programmed temperature settings! Keep the temperature of your home fairly constant for stretches of four hours or more if you can. Frequently adjusting your thermostat can cause your furnace to turn on and off needlessly, wasting energy.
- Don't get in the habit of turning your thermostat up to 82°F to warm the house quickly. It won't heat it up any faster than turning the thermostat to 72°F will!
Source: PG&E, 51 Easy Wasy You Can Prevent Global Warming and Save Money, by Jeffrey Langholz, PhD, and Kelly Turner.