As I mentioned in the Cheap Ways to a Green Home article, using a programmable thermostat is an easy way to save money. But how do you use it properly for most efficiency?
There are many programmable thermostats out there, but the most efficient is obviously those with the Energy Star rating (of course, if you don’t have an Energy Star, just program it yourself using the chart as a guide). These thermostats are certified by the US government to meet specific energy savings standards. Energy Star thermostats also come with a pre-programmed schedule, which is:
| Setting | Time | Setpoint Temp. (Heat) | Setpoint Temp. (Cool) |
| Wake | 6:00 a.m. | ≤ 70° F | ≥ 78° F |
| Day | 8:00 a.m. | Setback at least 8° F | Setup at least 7° F |
| Evening | 6:00 p.m. | ≤ 70° F | ≥ 78° F |
| Sleep | 10:00 p.m. | Setback at least 8° F | Setup at least 4° F |
By simply using the preset settings, the average household saves $180/year according to the Energy Star website.
The reason why the thermostat doesn’t turn off instead of raising (or lowering during the winter) the temperature is because turning on an electrical device uses a ton of energy. When an air conditioner/heater is turned off then back on it can use as much electricity as running it for four-hours straight. When it is turned back on, it also must recool/reheat the room to the desired temperature fully–which means tons of electricity is used in both recooling/reheating and turning the unit on. However, it does depend on home insulation and outdoor temperature as to how much extra electricity is used. When you turn the thermostat up (or down during the winter) the AC/heater stays on but in stand-by. So if the temperature does rise above the level set the AC kicks on and cools it off. However if it doesn’t, the AC stays in stand-by and uses very little electricity (comparable to having the unit turned off). This may sound complicated, but all-in-all Energy Star along with other green companies recommend raising the thermostat instead of turning the unit completely off.
Quote by me. Just meant this as a side note.
To get the most out of the thermostat use the chart listed above and simply change the times to ones which fit your lifestyle. I do recommend, however, to change the winter setting to 68° (and keep the setback at 8°) instead of 70° to save even more money. Energy Star also recommends to have the setback and setup times for atleast eight hours in length for maximum savings. Of course, it is all up to you and your comfort level. I recommend setting the morning time to 30 minutes before you wake up, the evening time 30 minutes before you come home, and the sleep time 30 minutes after you go to bed for maximum comfort.
Also, remember that you save approximately 3% off your electric bill for every degree higher (for the summer) and lower (for the winter). So if you can stand it, choose to set the thermostat higher than 78° in the summer and lower than 70° during the winter.
Quote by me. Just meant this as a side note.
In order to get the most out of your AC/heater, be sure to check the filter at least once a month and if it looks dirty or thin change it. It is recommended that a filter is changed at least once every three months for your units maximum efficiency. Just be sure to buy recycled (most are, but check to be sure!) and energy efficient/green.
As well, have your unit checked out at least once a year (if you can afford it). Your unit may need new refrigerant, wiring, or other services for it to work properly and efficiently. Actually, if the unit needs new refrigerant it will not cool at all. So check it out and be green!
Written: Mar 12, 2009
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