Programmable thermostats are among the least expensive and simplest ways to conserve energy in your home this heating season. Setting your thermostat to lower temperatures while you are at work or away on vacation will ensure you don’t waste money warming an empty house.

Here are some tips from Energy Star that can maximize your savings using a programmable thermostat: 

-Choose the right model – Programmable thermostats come with different programming capacities. A 5 +2 day thermostat will allow you to set the temperature at one level for the entire work week while having different settings over the weekend. A 5-1-1 thermostat will allow more flexibility on the weekends when your schedule may vary. A 7-day thermostat will allow you to set a different schedule for each day of the week.

-Remember to program the thermostat if you are going away - When you’re going on vacation, make sure to set the thermostat to an energy saving temperature for the duration of your trip. 

-Install your thermostat away from direct heating/cooling sources – Setting a thermostat near a direct heating or cooling source can lead to incorrect temperature readings. Keep your thermostat in a central location away from these sources for the best temperature control. 

-Resist the urge to override set temperatures – Every time you alter the pre-programmed temperature, you will use extra energy and could end up paying more on your energy bill.

For more information on programmable thermostats contact us. We want to help you save this heating season!