You set the clocks ahead three months ago and scheduled your summer HVAC maintenance, but have you set your programmable thermostat for the change in seasons? Well, the first day of summer has arrived and now is the time to set your summer cooling schedules. Taking a little time before the hot weather hits with a vengeance allows your thermostat to make an easy transition and keep your home comfortable.
A good investment
What? You say you don’t have a programmable thermostat? Merts Heating & Air Conditioning certainly recommends upgrading. When used properly, a modern thermostat can make a huge difference in the energy consumption in your Illinois or Northwest Indiana home. According to ENERGY STAR, a programmable thermostat could save about $180 each year.
Let’s get started
Most programmable models, regardless of type, can handle at least four temperature adjustments each day. Here is what a typical day may look like.
Wake up:
This is the first temperature adjustment of the day. Set the temperature to adjust about 15 minutes before you wake up. This is best for efficiency and comfort.
Away:
Many homes are empty during the day because of work and school. Set the temperature to rise several degrees about the time you leave. Over a period of eight hours this can save you one percent in energy costs for every degree of setback.
Home:
Set the thermostat to start cooling the house back down before you’re scheduled to arrive home. It should be back to a comfortable temperature shortly after you walk in the door.
Sleep:
Determine what temperature you want the house at when you are asleep. You should be able to turn the A/C up at least a few degrees at night and then the cycle will start all over again when you wake up in the morning.
Benefits of Wi-Fi
Nearly all programmable thermostats are now Wi-Fi capable, meaning you connect them to your home Wi-Fi network. This allows you to control your system with any mobile device from any location. It means you can change the thermostat settings when your schedule changes unexpectedly.
Multiple schedules
These thermostats also have the capability of setting up more than one schedule. In other words, you can have a completely different schedule for the weekend when the house is more likely to be occupied during the day.
Merts is ready to help
If you have any questions about the best programmable thermostat for your situation or if you need help programming the one you have, don’t hesitate to call Merts Heating & Air Conditioning. For more great information like this be sure to like and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.