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Do Programmable Thermostats Save Money?
Switching to a programmable thermostat (also known as a setback thermostat) is an alteration you can make to your HVAC system that will definitely save you money. Installing a programmable thermostat can shave off up to 35% on your heating and cooling energy costs.
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Worried that the only way to save money with a programmable thermostat is to sacrifice comfort? Put your mind at ease; saving money with this type of thermostat doesn’t mean shivering or feeling flushed. By setting the thermostat a bit lower during the winter months when you’re out during the day and setting it a bit higher during the summer months when you’re out during the day, you can shave between a considerable amount of money off of your heating and cooling bills.
A programmable thermostat saves you money because it allows you to be in control of the temperature. Program your thermostat to automatically lower the temperature inside the house while you sleep during those winter months and you’ll save money. Program it to automatically raise the temperature a few degrees while you sleep during those summer months and, again, you’ll save money.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, you will save up to one percent off your heating bill for each degree lower that your thermostat is set. This is based on a time period of eight hours, and note that people living in milder climates will see a greater savings than those living in harsher climates.
The same goes for the hot summer months, too. You can shave a similar amount of money off your cooling bill by raising the set temperature on your thermostat before the air conditioning system kicks on.
Programmable thermostats are a convenient way to effectively save money off of your heating and cooling bills. Once you program the thermostat with the temperatures right for you and your family, you can relax knowing that it is working for you whether you’re asleep or away from home for the day.