Programming the Thermostat

Most programmable thermostats have a recommended pre-programmed setting that is based on the typical American family, but there is nothing typical about your family. Although this is an easy way to start using your smart thermostat to your advantage, this may not be the most cost efficient way to use this new technology. Adjusting your thermostat settings to fit your lifestyle is the best way to save the most money and use your smart technology properly.

When programming your thermostat you should have four different temperatures according to times that correlate with your life.  These are: 

• Your sleep time – Say on average you go to bed at 10:00 pm every day, you should have a preprogrammed temperature at 9:00 pm according to the winter/summer guidelines below.
• Your wake up time for the day- Say on average you get up at 6:00 am to start your day, you should have a preprogrammed temperature at 5:30 am according to the winter/summer guidelines below.
• Your leave time for your daily activities such as work, school, etc. – Say you leave at 8:00 am for your daily activities during the week, you should have a preprogrammed temperature set at 7:40 am according to the winter/summer guidelines below.
• Return time from your daily activities – Say if you get home from your daily activities at 5:00 pm during the week, you should have a preprogrammed temperature set at 4:40 pm according to the winter/summer guidelines below.

The U.S Department of Energy suggests the following these winter/summer setting guidelines  in order to save up to 15% on your energy bill:

Winter Guidelines:

• For the hours you’re home and awake, program the temp to 68°F- This your comfort zone temperature that will not drive your electric bill up and will keep your home warm during the cold winter months. (This will be your preprogrammed temperature for your wake up time for the day and for your return time from your daily activities)
• Lower the temperature by  10° to 15° for the hours you’re asleep or out of the house. (This will be your preprogrammed temperature for your sleep time and for your leave time for your daily activities)

Summer Guidelines:

• For the hours you’re home, program air conditioning to 78°F – This is your comfort zone temperature that will not drive your electric bill up and keep your home cool at the same time. (This will be your preprogrammed temperature for your wake up time for your day and your return time from your daily activities)
• For the cooler summer days that you do not need air conditioning, manually shut off the AC. Keep in mind, it will kick back on if the house gets too warm.
• Program your AC to shut off during the hours you’re out of the house.

 Programming Timing Tips:

• Program your heat/air conditioning to turn off/down depending on your preference 20-30 minutes before you leave your home each day.
• Program your heat/air conditioning to turn on 20-30 minutes before you come home each day.
• Program your heat/air conditioning to reduce about 60 minutes before you go to sleep
• Program your heat/air conditioning to increase before you wake up each morning.
• Tweak these guidelines till you find programming times that work for you – keep in mind that these are just tips comfortable settings are different for everyone.

TIP: Contact Tower Equipment Company today for help picking out the best programmable thermostat for your family – Keep in mind Wi-Fi enabled thermostats allow you to control the temperature of your home on the go. This could save you a lot of money and unwanted costs.