Programmable Thermostats in Minneapolis St. Paul
Saving money, especially on energy bills, is something that appeals to everyone. But without living in darkness or sweating/freezing all day, how do you accumulate significant savings on one of the most in flux bills you receive each month? One of the most efficient methods is to use the right thermostat.
According to Energy Star, as much as half of a home’s energy is used for heating and cooling. So, you can imagine the kind of savings you’ll see if you learn how to significantly lower that usage each month. Trading in your traditional thermostat with a programmable one allows you to do just that. It gives you the ability to save energy without subjecting yourself to uncomfortable temperatures in your own home.
Know How to Use Your Thermostat and Where Your Energy is Going
Correct Usage for Huge Savings
Simply installing a programmable thermostat will do nothing to lower your energy bills. You need to utilize your new thermostat correctly in order to see your energy bills drop and your savings increase. Just like any other smart technology or money saving trick, it has to be used in the most efficient way to provide you with the best results.
Don’t Waste Energy on Empty Spaces
So much of the energy used to heat and cool your home winds up wasted. Too much of it is used to cool unoccupied spaces, so the first thing you should do is close the vents in areas you don’t use often. For instance, some closets have vents. You don’t need to leave those open.
Time Wasting Hours
The other energy wasters are specific times of the day. Mainly, when you’re away and asleep. You don’t need to cool a home you’re not in, and you don’t need to use excess energy to heat the house when you’re bundled up in the covers at night.
How Much Difference do Programmable Thermostats Make
Why Programmable Thermostats are Superior to Regular Ones
Programmable thermostats enable you to stop wasting energy when you’re away or sleeping without forsaking any of the comfort you’re accustomed to. If you were to turn your regular thermostat down in the winter, you’d be forced to throw off your warm covers and face the cold as you brush your teeth and made your morning coffee. In the summer, you would come home to a stuffy house and wait for your AC to cool you down. Programmable thermostats provide the best of both worlds. You save money and stay comfortable.
Does Adjusting the Thermostat Really Make a Difference?
The answer is absolutely. For every 1 degree Fahrenheit you adjust your thermostat, you will use up to up to 3% less energy So, for instance, if you reduce your heating by 10 degrees while you’re snuggled in the covers at night, you will use up to 30% less energy.
Savings Galore
By using up to 30% less energy each month you will see a significant drop in your monthly bill. All by eliminating energy waste. That’s a lot of savings going directly into your pocket with minimal effort and no inconvenience. All you have to do is simply stop using energy you never needed.
Figure Out the Best Temperature Settings
Consistency is Key
It’s definitely important to lower your energy usage during times when that energy is being wasted, but you don’t want your thermostat in constant flux. That will only waste more energy in the long run, which is the opposite of your goal. Consistency is key when it comes to getting the most from your programmable thermostat.
Creating the Perfect Schedule
Take a look at your daily habits to find any large chunks of time in which you can dramatically lower your usage. Set these thermostat changes to recur at the same time each day. The obvious times will be when you’re asleep or away at work, but can also include any weekly game nights. If you’re gone most weekends or have an upcoming vacation, it’s important to factor in these time frames as well.
Setting the Temperature When You’re Home
When you’re home, you the thermostat should be set at a comfortable temperature and left alone. Changing it during this time will only force your AC/heater to work harder and ultimately cost you more money. So, avoid the urge to change the settings for a short trip to the grocery store or out for a quick bite with friends.
Energy Saving Temperatures
It’s always important to feel comfortable in your own home, but if possible, it’s a good idea to avoid setting the temperature too high or too low. A good guideline to help you save and stay comfortable is to set your thermostat to a cool but comfortable 68 degrees in the winter and then lower it about 10 degrees when you’re asleep or out of the house for long periods of time. Give the thermostat around an hour to return to the comfortable 68 before you wake up or return home. You can also utilize tools like this energy savings calculator to figure out the best temperatures for each time of day based on your house size and location.
Energy bills are one of the most pesky of all monthly bills because they’re in constant flux. It makes it challenging to create an accurate monthly budget when each month’s bill is somewhat of a surprise. Knowing how to use your energy efficiently is the best way to decrease your costs and avoid any drastic changes in your bills regardless of the month or weather.
Programmable thermostats are the best tools around to control your energy usage and keep your bills low and consistent. They are simple to use, effective, and definitely worth the time and effort they take at the beginning. Trust us, you’ll be glad you switched when you see how much energy you’ll save each month. For more information, or for AC repair that’s available to you seven days a week, please don’t hesitate to contact us today.
