If you optimize your programmable thermostat settings, you will be able to boost your energy savings without having to sacrifice any comfort. You won’t have to constantly adjust or worry about your thermostat to get the most from your HVAC system -- just employ a few energy-saving strategies.
The best part about programmable thermostats is that they can be programmed to revolve around your daily routine. Many people leave their house uninhabited for hours every day while at work, which is the ideal time to set the thermostat back by at least 8 degrees. You can set it to set back right after you leave and then revert to your ideal temperature shortly before you return home. People commonly have a similar daily routine, but if you have deviations from day to day, you can set a regular schedule for each day of the week. You can also make quick one-time changes to your typical schedule using a feature called "temporary hold." This allows you to cancel the upcoming programmed period and reset it to whatever you need. There is also a vacation setting that gives you the ability to create a more energy-efficient schedule when you will be gone from your home for days at a time. Most programmable thermostats break the day into four different phases: morning, day, evening and night. You require less energy during the night and day periods -- because you’re away from home or sleeping -- so these are the ideal times to save the most energy. For more information about efficient thermostat settings and how to program them to get the most from your HVAC system, contact Russell’s Heating and Coolingtoday. We have proudly served all the Hampton Roads area since 1977. Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about programmable thermostats and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide. Russell’s Heating & Cooling services the Chesapeake, Virginia and the surrounding areas. Visit our websiteto see our special offers and get started today! Photo courtesy of Shutterstock.