The thermostat: the high priest of the homes temperature; nothing gets changed without first consulting this device. However, it can be picky and tricky, but you’ve got to show it who’s boss. By properly programming your thermostat, instead of changing it whenever you feel a draft, you could save a lot money and keep your house comfortable. But programming your thermostat is no easy task, as each brand has it’s own quirks and features. Whatever the case, here are some tips and benefits of setting your thermostat.
Keep it on a Timer
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Most home thermostats have a timer feature that you can program yourself. So, if no one is home during the day from 9am to 6pm, you can program the temperature to lower for those hours, and higher when you plan on being home. It takes a tremendous amount of energy to change the temperature of your home, even a few degrees, so by having a timer set, it helps keep a constant temperature and avoids wasting and overusing energy, which saves you money.
Be Sure to Upgrade

If you’ve got an older thermostat that only has an “on and off” button, then you definitely need an upgrade. Not only are the older ones unreliable, but because of the lack of energy saving features, they can cost you big bucks even without getting the job done. Thermostats aren’t very expensive, and installing them only takes a few minutes, and once their in, they’re in. Newer thermostats are more clear about the temperature reading, settings, and programs they have to offer, giving you a lot of room for programming just the way you need it.
Have a Plan

Before you set the thermostat, make sure to consult your family or roommates. How do they feel about the temperature? Make sure you can come to an agreement on the settings you will choose, as well as the timing. If someone prefers it a bit more toasty than others, program it to be a bit warmer whenever they’re around. But whatever you do, make sure no one touches that thermostat once it’s programmed.
Set it Reasonably

Setting the temperature timer to extreme heights will not warm your home faster, it just consumes more energy and costs money. Be patient with the thermostat, or set it to go off 20 minutes before you plan on being home, so you’ve got a nice cozy place to look forward too. This goes for the timer changes, as well. If you’re planning on having an extreme temperature fluctuation, set it slowly so it has time to cool down, instead of a huge drop.
Ask Experts

If you’re still unsure about the settings and procedures, don’t be afraid to ask a professional. Consulting a local heating company about it can be very beneficial to deciding what your particular heating needs are. Plus, they can inform you of other tips and tricks to help save money and energy through your thermostat.
Remember, the thermostat is your friend, and if programmed properly, can really save you a lot of money.





A good article that gives reasons to program your thermostat as well as gives tips on how.