Tips for Programming Your Thermostat this Winter

Last updated 1 year ago

Programmable thermostats offer energy-saving benefits to homes even during the coldest of winters, especially when compared to single set-point thermostats. Using programmable thermostats to their full potential not only allows you to save energy and lower your utility bills, but can keep your home more comfortable as well.

Choosing Your Programmable Thermostat

Today’s modern programmable thermostats have different default settings. Some are designed to be programmed on individual days of the week, while others offer weekend programs—five days of one setting, two on another. Depending on your habits and when you and your family are home, you’ll want to find a thermostat that suits your needs. Your local Carrier dealer can help you choose the best one for your home.

Setting Your Programs

Most programmable thermostats with Energy Star certification come with four times of day: wake, day, evening, and sleep. For the best balance of energy savings and comfort, set your thermostat back by about eight degrees from your at-home comfort temperature, typically around 70 degrees. This keeps your home from becoming too cold during the day, but allows for easy warming before you arrive. You can use similar settings for sleep.

Some Tips

Cranking the temperature very high on a programmable thermostat won’t make your home get warmer any faster than setting it a few degrees higher than the current temperature. Override your current program by raising the temperature setting by a few degrees and allowing your home’s heating system to catch up. Avoid a single setting all day long—this doesn’t save any energy.

To learn more about quality programmable thermostats and for assistance in programming your own, contact Rusk Heating, Cooling & Geothermal at (859) 431-4040. Visit us online to explore our selection or schedule a consultation with us.