Homeowners using programmable thermostats are positioned to reap considerable savings. However, to maximize their savings potential, employing certain practices help to achieve optimal results. Here are six tips to use when operating your programmable thermostat:

1. Use an eight-hour setback. Dialing the temperature back during the night and while the home is unoccupied helps to achieve energy savings. Shorter durations of setbacks may not offer as high of an energy-savings return. Eight-hour setbacks, however, ensure that the heating system runs less often. Not only does it make sense that you don’t need to keep your home as warm when it’s unoccupied or you’re sleeping, but your home will actually lose energy slowly when it’s closer to the outdoor temperature, as compared to higher home temperatures.
2. Limit overrides. Once you set a daily schedule that ensures savings, avoid using the override button, which is designed to let homeowners easily bypass the next programmed setting when their schedules change. Use it too often, however, and you’ll negate your savings potential.
3. Know when to use the vacation setting. For ease of use, when you’ll be gone from the home for a longer period of time, use the vacation mode to set one home temperature for the duration of your absence. Press it again when you return, and the thermostat will return to following the daily settings.
4. Avoid temperature extremes. You won’t heat your home any faster if you set the device to an extreme temperature. Non-adaptive-recovery thermostats activate the heating process at a preset time frame, regardless of the temperature setting.
5. Consider zoning issues. If your home uses a zoning system, use a programmable thermostat to control each zone.
6. Don’t forget the power. Many home thermostats are powered by batteries. If your device is battery operated, don’t forget to check and change the batteries regularly to ensure it can operate consistently.

For more information about programmable thermostats or saving energy, contact Smoky Mountain Heating & Air. We serve homeowners in the greater Asheville area with quality HVAC services, installations, repairs and maintenance. Call us today or visit our website for expert advice and energy-saving solutions.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Asheville, North Carolina and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).

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