Programmable thermostats are available with a wide range of features and options, which provide homeowners a care-free and convenient way to save energy while maintaining optimal comfort conditions according to lifestyle. To capitalize on these benefits, you must learn to use proper programmable thermostat settings that fit your schedule and comfort preferences.
Selecting a compatible thermostat
Regardless if you choose a thermostat with standard features or a “smart” thermostat with all the bells and whistles, it’s important to choose a model that correlates to your weekly work schedule and your heating/cooling system. If you work a standard five-day work week, you can select the 5+2-day thermostat which offers one weekly program and a separate program for days away from work. Many programmable thermostats offer daily programs for greater flexibility without a significant difference in initial investment.
Score energy savings
To score big energy savings, it’s important to implement proper programmable thermostat settings that fit your comfort level. If you program temperatures too far outside of your comfort level, you may be encouraged to use the “hold” feature, which would cancel out any energy saved. (The “hold” button temporarily overrides programmed temperature settings.) Use these general guidelines to help you get started:
- Work hours: program temperature up/back three to five degrees from your normal comfort temperature
- Comfort hours: use your normal comfort temperature
- Sleeping hours: program temperature up/back three to four degrees from your normal comfort temperature
- Days off from work: program temperatures up/back according to time at and away from home
One more tip for programming on days away from work, especially if you do not have regularly scheduled activities away from home: Make one program for the entire day that is two degrees up/back from your comfort temperature. If you leave home for errands, you may use the “hold” button (just this once) to adjust for greater energy savings. When the next temperature event change occurs, the scheduled program resumes and the “hold” is canceled.
For more information about proper programmable thermostat settings, contact Arpis Industries today. We proudly serve homeowners in Calgary, Alberta and throughout the surrounding areas.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Calgary, Alberta 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.
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