Monday, April 11, 2011

Day 11 Install a Programmable Thermostat


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Whether you use a thermostat to cool your house or warm your house or both, a programmable thermostat is the way to go.  Having the ability to have multiple programs takes away the need to remember to turn down or up your thermostat as you are running out the door late for work! You can save anywhere from 10% to 15% in savings.

I have a programmable thermostat where I have it programmed for maximum savings.  During the day is the most expensive rate to run heat or cooling.  That program is set for the most energy efficient setting that is tolerable for remaining warm or cool.  Then I have a program for where it will either be set to warm up the house as the sun starts to go down in the cooler months.  Then for a/c the program is set during the day at/around 78 to 82 degrees because I am not at home as much and that is the most tolerable during the day where my a/c won't run all day.  Plus I use my fans to push the air around it gives the feeling of being cooler.

Cooler month programs
  1. during the day when not occupied set the program to start when you normally leave the house and set it for heat at 68 degrees
  2. next program have it set to begin warming the house to 72 degrees just minutes before everyone is returning home
  3. sleeping hours program this is a personal preference because most people layer up their beds during cooler days so if you can get away with turning the temp to 70 degrees
  4. program to warm up the house just before your alarm goes off to get up
Warmer month programs
  1. none occupied hours during the day set it at 78 to 82 degrees to start when you normally leave home (my preference is 82)
  2. program for when you are returning home try not to go below 78 degrees for the best savings and turn on fans they cost the least to run
  3. sleeping hours it is difficult to sleep if you are hot.  this is the time to turn it down maybe to 74 degrees or 72 if you are a "hottie" sleeper. hours between 9 pm to 9 am are the least expensive rates in most states plus that is when your house is the hottest (it has absorbed and retained heat all day)


Keep receipts!  These may be some tax credits for you when you file.  Find one that is best for your home, and will be easy for you to use.

Deanne



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