The Benefits of Programmable Thermostats

Programmable thermostats automatically adjust your home’s temperature settings, allowing you to save energy while you’re away or sleeping. They are more convenient and accurate than manual thermostats and improve your home’s comfort…

• they contain no mercury
• save energy and save money on utility bills – when used properly, about $150/year
• are better for the environment, since using less energy helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with energy production

Programmable thermostats earn the ENERGY STAR by meeting strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the government. These units save energy by offering 4 convenient, pre-programmed temperature settings — settings that try to anticipate when it’s convenient for you to scale back on heating or cooling. If you are like many homeowners and work outside the home during the day and have a different schedule on the weekend, a programmable thermostat can offer many benefits, and the return on your investment is usually within 1 year. On the other hand, if you are home throughout the day, seven days a week, then a programmable thermostat will offer more limited benefits.

Programmable thermostats have become hugely popular due to their energy saving benefits, improved comfort, convenience and cost-effective savings. These thermostats save energy and money on utility bills by allowing residents to set home temperatures according to various different factors.

Programmable thermostats supply personal comfort through pre-set temperature levels and are generally more convenient and accurate than manual thermostats.

If you’re looking to cut back expenses, you will usually see the return on your programmable thermostat investment within one year. When used properly, this device can save residents about $150 annually. Programmable thermostats are also a plus for the environmentally conscious because they contain no mercury and are eco-friendly. Using less energy helps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with energy production.’

Programmable thermostats can be set to adjust the temperature of a home according to the user’s schedule. The temperature on programmable thermostats can be set to change based on whether or not the home is occupied or whether residents are asleep or awake. For example, in the morning before occupants wake up, the thermostat can be preset for a slightly warmer temperature. As well, the thermostat can be adjusted for both heating and cooling seasons. Programmable thermostats can automatically store settings and repeat those settings each day.

However, they can still be manually set, overriding the programming when desired. A programmable thermostat generally allows more precise temperature management and a wider range of selections, offering a number of programming choices. Most conveniently, it provides daily programming that allows one schedule to be used each day. Additionally, you can program your thermostat with different settings for the weekend. In fact, most programmable thermostats have a full seven-day programming ability, allowing for a different temperature schedule for every day of the week.