Reducing Energy Costs - Programmable Thermostat

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Since energy costs are only increasing, energy-efficient products are becoming more popular than ever. Energy bills can cost an average household upwards of $2,000 a year; half of which can be attributed to heating and cooling. When used correctly, programmable thermostats can shave a couple hundred dollars of your energy bills.

Most of us will find a comfortable temperature and stick with it throughout the season, never considering that daily adjustments can make a serious dent in our energy costs. For example, lowering your thermostat only five degrees eight hours every day can reduce the heating bill by 5%. According to Energy Ideas Clearinghouse, “every degree a temperature setting is increased in winter adds about 3 percent to the average home heating bill while every degree cooler a temperature setting is decreased in summer adds about 4 percent to the average home air-conditioning bill.”

A programmable thermostat gives a homeowner the ability to automatically regulate the interior temperature. These devices supply customized comfort through pre-set temperature levels, which is more convenient than manual thermostats, not mention more accurate. The idea that leaving a thermostat at a steady temperature will save money is a myth because research has proven that the energy it takes to reheat a house is equal to or less than the energy saved at the cooler temperature.

There are three different types of programmable thermostat: 7-day, 5+2 day, and 5-1-1. 7 day thermostats are the best option for a family whose daily schedule tends to change. With four different presets throughout the day, it’s possible to accommodate changes involving school, work and other activities. A 5+2 day programmable thermostat keeps the same settings throughout the week, with a different setting for weekends; 5-1-1 is similar but has separate settings for Sunday and Saturday.

Most programmable thermostats will have the Energy Star label, which signifies the product has met strict energy-efficient guidelines set by the EPA and the US Department of Energy.

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