To Program or Not To Program Your Thermostat? (2024)

FAQs

To Program or Not To Program Your Thermostat? ›

Overall, programming your thermostat is an easy and effective way to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature while saving energy and cooling costs.

If you have a programmable or smart thermostat, you should absolutely program it. Programmable thermostats, when used properly, can cut as much as 30% off your energy consumption, leading to lower utility bills. With programmable thermostats, you can schedule it to adjust during evenings and times when you're not home.

You can save money on your heating and cooling bills by simply resetting your thermostat when you are asleep or away from home. You can do this automatically without sacrificing comfort by installing an automatic setback or programmable thermostat.

Here's the answer: Both a programmable and non-programmable thermostat have the potential to save you money if you know how to use your thermostat correctly. However, a programmable thermostat changes your home's temperature automatically and therefore makes it EASIER to save money.

The answer is almost always yes, with one big exception. If the home is occupied all day long, there may be no great benefit in a programmable thermostat. Talk to an HVAC professional who can help you make the correct decision for your lifestyle.

Programmable Thermostat Cons

Programmable thermostats can be expensive. Some utility companies will provide one for free or at a reduced cost, but keep in mind that they probably won't service it if something goes wrong.

Did you know you can save up to 10% a year on your heating and cooling expenses by simply setting your thermostat back 7° to 10°F for 8 hours each day. * That means you can adjust your thermostat before leaving for work and before bed each day and potentially see real savings on your electricity bill.

More expensive than manual or programmable thermostats. Your HVAC equipment needs to be compatible with the thermostat to take advantage of all the features.

But as it turns out, the only real pro to keeping your thermostat one temperature is convenience. Sure, when you're away on vacation or gone for the weekend, the consistent temperature is efficient, but when you're at home, there are really no additional benefits.

You can certainly save money on energy costs with a traditional programmable thermostat, but using a smart thermostat takes a lot less effort. You'll quit wasting money heating or cooling an empty home and it'll be easier for you track your energy efficiency and savings — right from your smartphone.

What is the healthiest thermostat setting? ›

The answer is yes; a smart thermostat can replace a regular one. However, the installation becomes more complex in certain situations. For example, newer homes have a C-wire (common wire) in them, while many older ones don't. Most smart thermostats require a C-wire.

A non-programmable thermostat is your most basic option. This type of thermostat will allow you to turn on the heating or cooling system, set the temperature, and operate the system fan. Non-programmable thermostats may also be referred to as manual thermostats, as all adjustments must be made manually.

Lower Utility Bills

Installing a new thermostat is a great way to increase your energy savings. Programmable thermostats help ensure accurate temperatures throughout the day. You'll quickly see a drop in energy bills when you install a new programmable thermostat in your home.

Rule of Thumb

Set your thermostat back 10-15 degrees during the times that you are not home. Don't forget to review your energy bills before the replacement of your thermostat. For 8 hours of lowered temp time – You can expect 1% per 1 degree of lowered temperature.

Saving Through High Energy Efficiency

Another convincing reason to install a programmable thermostat is the potential to cut down on energy use and reduce bills. For even higher savings, schedule the desired temperature for different times of the day or days of the week.

But as it turns out, the only real pro to keeping your thermostat one temperature is convenience. Sure, when you're away on vacation or gone for the weekend, the consistent temperature is efficient, but when you're at home, there are really no additional benefits.

The reason why folks often say programmable thermostats save energy and cash is because you can set them to automatically lower the temperature when you aren't home or are asleep. That can lead to a 5 to 15 percent reduction in energy use according to the Department of Energy.

When You Run Your AC All Day, Temperature Is Everything. Yes, we have said that it is usually cheaper to keep your air conditioner on all day, but this is only true if you have it set to the right temperature. This method works when you keep it at a higher temperature (albeit lower than however hot it is outside).

How Does a Program Save Your Money? By setting the thermostat back for 8+ hours a day, you can save anywhere from 5-25% on your energy costs. The common misconception is that bringing your home up to a temperature is where the energy costs are.