5 Reasons to Install a Programmable Thermostat ASAP

No doubt you’re on board with the idea of saving money on your energy bills. (Who wouldn’t be?!) You’ve probably gone through the typical punch list — caulking, weather-stripping, insulating, etc. But if you’re still using the thermostat that came with your house, you’re missing out on the significant savings that come with the use of a programmable thermostat. Need proof? Take a look at 5 great benefits you’ll reap by ditching your old thermostat and installing a programmable thermostat:

1. Temperature Control

Set the program that works for you and your family. Cool the house down while you sleep — research shows that you sleep better in a cooler bedroom, and set the program to warm things up before you get up in the morning. The same goes for work and school times. What’s more, your temperature settings will be more precise.

2. Energy Savings

Setting your programmable thermostat to a lower temperature at times when you’re away at work, school, visiting friends or relatives, etc., translates into saving energy. After all, why keep your home toasty-warm while you’re not even there? With a programmable thermostat, you can schedule a warm up to begin before you’re due to arrive back home, ensuring that your home will be comfortable while you’re actually there. The same goes for cooling during the summer.

3. Increased Comfort

Of course, it’s certainly possible to turn your ordinary thermostat down before you leave for work in the morning. But you won’t be coming home to a comfortable home! You’ll have to keep your coat on and shiver for a while after you manually turn up the thermostat and let it go to work warming things up!

4. Financial Savings

A homeowner saves about 3% on energy bills for each degree below 72 degrees, which is another compelling reason to lower the thermostat when you know you won’t be home for several hours. According to Energy Star, the average household spends more than $2000 per year on energy bills. With a programmable thermostat, you can shave at least $180 off your energy expenses each year.

5. It’s Convenient

Some programmable thermostats allow you to control and program your temperature from your phone so you can adjust your settings while you are away. The real convenience of a programmable thermostat is that you can set it and forget it. Pick your program, set it, and then don’t give it another thought. Your programmable thermostat will take over and give you one less thing to think about.

Related Read: “Is Your Furnace Heating Your Home?“

How to Set Programmable Thermostat

The U.S. Department of Energy recommends the following settings in order to save 15% on your energy bills:

• During the winter and while you’re home, program your thermostat to 68°F. Lower the temperature by 10-15 degrees for the hours you spend asleep or away from home.
• During the summer at-home times, program your thermostat to 78°F, and program the thermostat to turn off the AC while you’re away from home.
• Program the temperature changes to begin 20-30 minutes before leaving home each day, and 20-30 minutes before you’re due to arrive home. For sleep, program your thermostat to lower heat 60 minutes before you retire for the night and to start coming back up 30 minutes before you’re due to get up in the morning.

Don’t miss out on the tangible benefits offered by a programmable thermostat. For professional installation in the Cincinnati area, call Hermann Services at (513)407-5177.