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Unfortunately, old dial thermostats are out and are no longer equipped to handle modern HVAC systems. So, if you notice your energy bills rising and still have a dial thermostat, consider upgrading to a programmable thermostat.

Programmable thermostats are designed to meet your every need while saving you money on your monthly bills. However, in order for you to maximize your savings, you need to know how to set the device. Take a look at these programmable thermostat tips and start seeing how much money you can save with no effort at all.

Signs of a Bad Thermostat

If you notice your energy bills are higher than they should be, you may have a faulty thermostat. When a thermostat isn’t properly calibrated, it can cause the heating and cooling systems to work twice as hard to produce an accurate temperature. This will cause an increase in your monthly bills.

If you notice any of these signs in your home, consider replacing your thermostat:

• Inaccurate Temperature Readings: If the displayed temperature doesn't match the actual room temperature, it indicates a potential issue with the thermostat's sensor or calibration.
• Unresponsive Controls: Difficulty in adjusting settings or unresponsive control buttons may suggest a malfunctioning thermostat that requires attention.
• Rapid Cycling: A thermostat causing the HVAC system to turn on and off frequently, known as rapid cycling, can lead to energy inefficiency and increased wear on the system.
• Uneven Heating or Cooling: Inconsistent temperature levels across different areas of your home may indicate a thermostat problem, affecting the proper distribution of conditioned air.
• Failure to Reach Set Temperature: If your thermostat struggles to reach the desired temperature despite proper system operation, it may signal a malfunction.

3 of the Best Programmable Thermostat Tips

Even the most basic programmable thermostat is designed to help you save money. Don’t rely on old, inconsistent thermostats that can’t keep up with your preferences. Upgrade to a programmable thermostat, and rest assured that your heating and cooling systems will remain accurate no matter the season.

Here are some tips on how to program a thermostat to save money:

1. Schedule Your Thermostat Settings to Match Your Family’s Schedule

One of the best tips to improve programmable thermostat savings is scheduling your device according to your family’s schedules. If you don’t already have your family’s daily schedules planned out, this is a great opportunity to get it done. That way, you can figure out exactly how long your house will be empty during the day and program your thermostat accordingly.

There’s no reason to keep the house too warm or too cool when nobody’s there to enjoy it. Even when you are home at night, you don’t always want the same settings you had going during the day.

Programmable thermostats are made to adapt to your family’s schedule. You can program the unit to be at a certain temperature in the morning, change when everyone is at work and school, and to your exact specifications when you’re relaxing after a long day. This helps you not waste energy or money during the day but still meets your comfort needs when you’re at home.

2. Only Use the “Hold” Feature When the House Is Empty for Days at a Time

Using the "Hold" function on your thermostat keeps the current temperature setting locked in until you choose to adjust it again. To benefit from this energy-efficient thermostat setting, utilize this feature strategically. Reserve this setting for extended periods of low-energy use, such as when the house is unoccupied for a vacation or during work hours.

Avoid the temptation to use the "Hold" feature for short-term adjustments, like a single weekend when the house is full. Doing so underutilizes the energy efficiency management capabilities of your programmable thermostat.

3. Don’t Set the Thermostat Higher or Lower Than Intended to Get Faster Results

Programmable thermostats offer consistent temperature adjustments regardless of the endpoint chosen. For example, if you set it to 80 degrees but you’re aiming for 70, extra energy will be required to heat and then cool down from the same target.

For maximum efficiency, set your desired temperature directly without overshooting. This simple adjustment ensures your programmable thermostat operates in a more energy-conscious manner, contributing to both comfort and cost savings.

By following these three tips, you’ll get the most out of your programmable thermostat and maximize the potential year-over-year energy savings they provide over traditional thermostats. According to Energy Star, you can save up to $180 a year just by using your programmable thermostat properly.

Do you need professional assistance with your programmable thermostat? Our technicians at Home Comfort Experts offer home thermostat replacements in Northern Indiana and Southwestern Michigan. We can help you choose and program your thermostat and repair it if it is damaged.

Contact us today to tell us how we can help.