Use a Programmable Thermostat Properly

A programmable thermostat is ideal for people who are away from home during set periods throughout the week. Through proper use of pre-programmed settings, a programmable thermostat can save you about $180 every year in energy costs in Skagit Valley.

How Do You Choose the Right Programmable Thermostat or You?

To decide which model is best for you, think about your schedule and how often you are away from home for regular periods—work, school, other
activities—and then decide which of the three different models best fits your schedule:

• 7-day models are best if your daily schedule tends to change; for example, if
  children are at home earlier on some days. These models give you the most
  flexibility and let you set different programs for different days—usually with four
  possible temperature periods per day.
• 5+2-day models use the same schedule every weekday, and another
  for weekends.
• 5-1-1 models are best if you tend to keep one schedule Monday through Friday
  and another schedule on Saturdays and Sundays.

Programmable Thermostat Settings

You can use the table below as a starting point for setting energy-saving temperatures and then adjust the settings to fit your family’s schedule and stay comfortable.

Get the Greatest Benefit from Your Programmable Thermostat

• Install your thermostat away from heating or cooling registers, appliances,
  lighting, doorways, fireplaces, skylights and windows, and areas that receive
  direct sunlight or drafts. Interior walls are best.
• Keep the thermostat set at energy-saving temperatures for long periods of time,
  such as during the day when no one is home and at bedtime.
• Set the “hold” button at a constant energy-saving temperature when going
  away for the weekend or on vacation.
• Resist the urge to override the pre-programmed settings. Every time you do, you
  use more energy and may end up paying more on your energy bill.
• Use a programmable thermostat for each zone of your house if you have
  multiple heating and cooling zones. This will help you maximize comfort,
  convenience, and energy savings throughout the house.
• Change your batteries each year if your programmable thermostat runs on
  batteries. Some units will indicate when batteries must be changed.

If you have a heat pump, you may require a special programmable thermostat to maximize your energy savings year-round. Talk to your retailer or contractor for details before selecting your thermostat.

If you have a manual thermostat, you can adjust the temperatures daily before you leave the house and when you go to sleep at night. Typically, adjusting temperatures 5 – 8 degrees (down in winter, up in summer) can help save energy if you are going to be away from home for several hours.