Programmable Thermostat Tips
A programmable thermostat replaces your manual thermostat and enables you to set an automatic routine for your thermostat to follow during the day and night. During times when you need less heating or cooling, a programmable thermostat can be set to more energy-saving settings. Programmable thermostats can save the average household 10 percent on its yearly energy bill. By programming your thermostat to make these changes automatically, you do not have to worry about manually changing the thermostat. Does this Spark an idea?
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Pre-Programmed Settings
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Most programmable thermostats arrive pre-programmed with optimized settings from which you can choose. Using these pre-programmed settings saves you time learning how to program your new thermostat and allows you to start saving energy immediately. You can always adjust these settings if the pre-programmed versions are not comfortable for your home.
Override Settings
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During times you only need to change your thermostat's settings temporarily, the override feature changes the current setting until the next programmed time slot. Using the override feature does use more energy, therefore defeating the purpose of installing a programmable thermostat. Use the override setting as little as possible to maximize your energy savings.
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Hold or Vacation Feature
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The hold or vacation function is similar to the override feature, but it remains in effect until you turn it off again. Use this feature when you will be away from home for an extended period of time. Leaving your thermostat on the regular settings while you are gone uses energy that does not need to be expended if no one is home.
Heat Pumps
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If you have a heat pump, you may need a special type of programmable thermostat. Using the wrong programmable thermostat with a heat pump would have the same effect as never having changed the thermostat from the start. Contact the manufacturer of your heat pump to see if there is a particular programmable thermostat that they recommend.
Batteries
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Most programmable thermostats run on batteries. Change the batteries at least once a year to ensure that your programmable thermostat is able to function continuously. If you make it a part of another regular yearly maintenance activity, such as changing the batteries in your household's smoke detectors, you will not have to worry about losing power to the thermostat.
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