Programmable Thermostats Lower Energy Bills:

Next to rent, utilities are one of the biggest costs a resident will pay. Learning how to use your thermostat properly will save energy, thus saving you money on your utility bill. On average, residents who use programming save ten to thirty percent on their energy bills. If your bill is 250/month, you could save $300-$900 per year. Programmable thermostats have the ability to operate hands-free, based on set schedules. I’m the type of person who would rather find ways to save money rather than make more, and I hope you are too. It’s much easier! Work smarter, not harder. 

Most thermostats are programmable, but many people don’t pay much attention to them. If you don’t own a programmable thermostat already, they only cost about one hundred to two hundred dollars. When you think about long-term savings, this is quite an investment! It would take less than a year for it to pay for itself. After that, it’s all profit! Next, I will show you the best ways to leverage your savings.

Programmable Thermostats & Energy Efficiency:

When setting a schedule for your thermostat, remember you want to minimize your energy usage. In the cooler months, this means using less heat; in the warmer months using less air conditioning. So, incorporate your daily routine. Your thermostat should reflect your various needs throughout the day, to maximize efficiency. Ask yourself, “What times of day am I usually not home? When can I cut down my usage?” For example, when you go to work, you could adjust the thermostat to turn off or reduce its needs by about ten degrees. Maybe you go to the gym every Saturday etc. As a business owner, you could weigh energy needs during business hours vs. off-hours.

Also, at home, you could integrate your sleeping schedule. If you like to keep it cool when you sleep, you can turn down the heat settings for night-time hours during the cooler months. In the summer and spring, you won’t need as much AC at night as you do during the day when the sun is up. Year-round, you can make alterations based on the rising and setting sun. During the day, temperatures will be warmer outside, and at night temperatures typically drop. During the winter you may need to establish different settings than during the summer. When using your environment to your advantage, you are utilizing an important renewable resource: geothermal energy. 

Thermostat schedules can be set for unique days of the week for those who need flexibility. If you have a regular routine you can create universal settings, or a weekend/weekday schedule. To get started, jot down what time you wake up, what time you leave for the day, what time you usually return, and what time you go to sleep. Then, you can think about average outdoor temperatures based on the seasons in your area. Program accordingly!

Programming for Unoccupied Spaces:

Certain ‘smart thermostats’ actually go above and beyond by providing optional settings for different areas of the house. Think about it, you and/or your family may only be occupying one to two rooms at any given point in the day. Why pay to heat or cool the entire house, if you spend the majority of your day in the living room? This feature could cut your energy bill even further. Although, these thermostats are not the “industry standard”. Therefore, this option will more likely be paid for out of pocket. These systems usually utilize motion sensors or other “smart home” technologies.

Need More Help?:

BarrierEnergy is an inspecting and consulting company specializing in energy efficiency. If you have any more questions or would like assistance programming your thermostat, don’t hesitate to contact us. We are based out of Santa Barbara, California. You can also learn more tips on saving money from our page about food security.