A programmable thermostat controls your air conditioning, heating, or heat pump system by turning them on and off according to a default energy-saving program or user-programmed settings. Different pre-set programs set controls in hot weather (for the air conditioning unit) and cold weather (for the furnace).
How does a programmable thermostat work?
You can easily save energy in the winter by setting the thermostat to 68°F while you’re awake and setting it lower while you’re asleep or away from home. By turning your thermostat back 10°–15° for 8 hours, you can save about 5%–15% a year on your heating bill—a savings of as much as 1% for each degree if the setback period is eight hours long. The percentage of savings from setback is greater for buildings in milder climates, like Phoenix, than for those in more severe climates.
In the summer, you can follow the same strategy with central air conditioning by keeping your house warmer than normal when you are away, and lowering the thermostat setting to 78°F only when you are at home and need cooling. Although thermostats can be adjusted manually, programmable thermostats will avoid any discomfort by returning temperatures to normal as you wake or return home.
Will a programmable thermostat save you money?
Like most things around your home, a programmable thermostat will help save you money if you use it correctly. The key is to use one of the pre-programmed settings or a customized setting you create for your specific needs and leave the thermostat alone. If you program your desired settings or use pre-programmed settings and let the thermostat do the rest for you, you will save some money. But if you keep bypassing the program, you will likely not save any money. Using a programmable thermostat requires some discipline.
Will any programmable thermostat do?
You can buy programmable thermostats online or at home centers and hardware stores, but these are generally not professional grade.
Better yet, you can – and should! – contact Messmer Mechanical today for high grade programmable thermostats that our own expert technicians will install in one or more locations in your home. The end result will be a combination of improved indoor comfort and lower utility costs…and who wouldn’t enjoy that?!
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