Heating and cooling a home is often one of the most expensive costs for
households. Consumers spend approximately 43% of their utility budget
controlling the temperature of their residence. Many times they are
heating or cooling empty rooms because the occupants are at work or
school. This expenditure can be significantly reduced with the
installation of a programmable thermostat.
Studies have shown installing an inexpensive programmable thermostat can
reduce heating and cooling costs by up to 15%, when used to control the
temperature in a house or apartment for 8 hours a day. Even more
savings can be realized by adjusting drapes or blinds on the south side
of a building during the warmest part of the day to keep rooms cooler in
the summer, or warmer in the winter.
Programmable thermostats are designed to work with the heating and
cooling systems in most homes. They run a program that increases or
decreases the temperature depending on time of day. For example, the
temperature could be set to lower the heat settings an hour before
bedtime and increase them an hour before waking. Or decrease air
conditioner settings during the day when people are at work, and
increase them during the early evening when the house or apartment is
occupied.
There are many types available on the market ranging from simple analog
clock thermostats, to sophisticated digital thermostats with
touchscreens. Most also have override options that allow users to
change temperature without disrupting the programs.
Consumers should chose a thermostat that fits their individual heating
and cooling needs. For someone who follows the same schedule everyday,
an analog clock thermostat may be sufficient. Hot and cold events are
set by the use of sliding levers along an analog temperature scale.
They run the same programs daily but do not allow for differences during
weekends.
For more versatile devises that allow for multiple modes, look for a
digital thermostat. Many of theses are available with easy to use
touchscreens and even offer maintenance reminders. They allow several
temperature settings to be assigned for different time frames equivalent
to morning, day, evening, and night. Most digital thermostats allow
users to program special changes when the owner is away from home for
extended periods of time, such as during vacations and holidays. Some
digital thermostats can learn how the heating system in a home works.
They can anticipate how long it will take for the system to reach the
target temperature and adjust accordingly.
Thought should also be given to the power source required and the ease
of installation. Some programmable thermostats use rechargeable
batteries. Others require a direct power source and all of them need to
be hard wired into the heating/cooling system of the home. Always
check with a heating and cooling professional for advise. If installing
a new thermostat in a rented property, request permission from the
owner first.
Using a programmable thermostat to control the temperature in a home is a
cost effective way to reduce utilities. Even the more sophisticated
devices will pay for themselves in one season and add value to any home.
Installing a Programmable Thermostat Saves Money
