How to Program Your Thermostat for Optimum Efficiency

With the heat of summer in Augusta, Georgia, cooling your house can cost a lot of money. Using the pre-programmed settings on a programmable thermostat can save you approximately $180 a year in energy costs.

Scheduling Styles

There are three types of programmable thermostat models each with their own scheduling style.

7-day models enable you to set different schedules for each day of the week with four possible temperature intervals per day. These are ideal for people with erratic schedules because they offer the most flexibility.

5+1+1 models let you set one schedule for weekdays and a different schedule on each day of the weekend. These are great for people with a regular workday schedule Monday through Friday and varying schedules on Saturdays and Sundays.

5+2 models enable you to set one schedule for weekdays and a different one that’s the same on both days of the weekend.

General Guidelines

Program your thermostat at constant temperatures for long blocks of time.

Use the hold button to set your programmable thermostat to a constant temperature when you’re on vacation.

Refrain from overriding your programmed settings because it costs you more money in utility bills.

Temperature Recommendations

The ideal temperature for energy efficiency in your home is between 70 and 78 degrees Fahrenheit. You can turn your thermostat up or down 5 to 8 degrees when you are not home and when you are sleeping to increase efficiency and reduce heating and cooling costs.

During the summer, program your thermostat for 78 degrees when you’re home. During the winter, program it for 68 degrees when you’re home.

Program your thermostat to reduce heating or cooling 60 minutes before you go to bed at night and to increase heating or cooling 30 minutes before you rise each morning.

We’d be happy to answer any other questions you may have about programming your thermostat or other air conditioning solutions. Give us a call at Plunkett Heating & Air at 706-426-0779.

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