Originally Published in August 2017
With all the options available for setting your programmable thermostat, it’s easy to get confused. Of course, this defeats the purpose of a programmable thermostat––it’s designed for you to “set it and forget it,” making your life easier. It’s worth taking the minute or two it takes to read this to clear up anything that may be confusing you about the process. You can always call our qualified technicians here at Extreme Air & Electric to help you with anything you don’t understand.
Traditionally, “set it and forget it” means setting your thermostat at one temperature and just plain leaving it there. Forget having to worry about it or change it. The philosophy behind that mindset was based on the belief that changing the temperature in an attempt to save money on energy didn’t actually work.
Studies have since shown that behavior isn’t accurate at all, and changing the temperature in different situations does save you money, especially here in Melbourne, FL. So with a programmable thermostat, “set it and forget it” takes on a new meaning. You can program your thermostat once with the temperature changes specified and then forget about it.
How to Set Your Thermostat
Depending on the type of programmable thermostat you have, there will be somewhat different options. That said, most programmables offer similar time options: wake time, sleep time, leave time, and return time.
Be sure when programming your thermostat you enter realistic times accurately reflecting you and your family’s schedule. You want to get the most from your thermostat.
A Few Things to Keep in Mind Prior to Setting Your Schedule:
Install name-brand batteries, and change them annually. Cheaper batteries don’t have as long of a charge in them. You want your thermostat to work when you need it.
Feel free to temporarily override your set schedule and adjust the temperature when needed. This override automatically cancels and resumes to normal programming. Don’t select Hold/Permanent/Vacation (depending on your thermostat, and unless you’re actually going on vacation), and just choose temporary.
Avoid cranking temperatures to extremes with the mindset of heating up or cooling down your home quicker. The system doesn’t work that way, and it just causes more stress and strain on your equipment. Your equipment will heat or cool your home just as fast by setting it at the accurate temperatures.
Here’s How to Generally Set Your Thermostat:
1. Be sure to follow your manufacturer’s instructions.
2. Make sure the thermostat is on the correct setting, either heating or cooling.
3. Set the temperature for weekdays by setting the switch to heating or cooling and selecting the weekday program. Many thermostat models allow you to set times and temperatures for four times during weekends. So if you work or leave during the day, you can change the temperature to reflect that and save even more money.
4. Set the temperature for weekends in the same manner. However, since most people tend to be home more during the weekend, you may only want to set the temperature for your wakeup and bedtimes. You can use a temporary override to adjust the temperature if you decide to leave the house during the day at all.
Contact Us
Programmable thermostats are really designed for you to “set it and leave it.” Taking a few minutes when your thermostat is installed to correctly set your schedule will make your home comfortable and allow you to save money at the same time. Call Extreme Air & Electric if it’s time for a new thermostat or if you need help programming yours. We’re here to help.
