Are Programmable Thermostats Effective at Saving Money and Energy?

During seasons of high energy usage, your mind may wander to the topic of programmable thermostats. You’ve heard about them, but you’re not convinced that they’re worth the spend. They’re appealing, but you worry that they’re nothing more than a fancy new toy that will make little to no impact on your monthly energy bills.

These fears are not unwarranted. You can swap your current thermostat for a programmable one, but that may not be enough to make the energy dent you’re looking for.

However, with a few smart decisions, you can transform this small investment into significant savings.

Stop heating and/or cooling unused spaces

The first step is a practical one that doesn’t even involve your thermostat. Homeowners routinely spend a lot of money heating or cooling unused spaces. For instance, do you have vents in closets or spare bedrooms that rarely get used? You can do yourself a huge favour by closing these vents.

Choose your thermostat

If you’re going ahead with a programmable thermostat, make sure you get one that suits your heating and air system. A lot of factors influence your needs, including the type of system that you have (e.g. central heating, heat pumps, electric baseboards, etc.) and the age of your current equipment.

Your best bet is to consult your licensed electrician. With their experience and expertise, they can help you find a thermostat that fits your home, minimizes extra work (such as wiring adjustments), and features an easy-to-use display.

Some thermostat models even provide remote options and learning abilities. These advancements give you greater control and lessen your work, which can be a big advantage if you’re up for the heightened technological requirements.

Create a consistent schedule

When it comes time to program your thermostat, the most important thing is having a consistent schedule.

Yes, you want to lower your energy usage (heating or cooling) when you’re not at home. However, if you’re setting up drastic fluctuations, you’re not going to be saving any energy or money. There’s a chance you’ll use even more as your system battles to deal with these sudden changes.

Thoughtfully consider your daily and weekly schedules. Identify regular blocks of time – not short ones! – during which you can slightly lower your thermostat. These minor changes will help you preserve a comfortable environment while you’re at home while noticeably decreasing your monthly energy bills.

Hire a professional electrician to install your programmable thermostat

You may be tempted to tackle this project on your own, but there are a lot of benefits to hiring a professional electrician to install your programmable thermostat. They’ll bring the equipment and expertise needed to complete your installation quickly, and the experience and training to protect the safety of everyone involved. What’s more, they’ll help you learn how to best use your new thermostat and get the most out of your upgraded system.

Wireman Electric has been serving Greater Vancouver residents for years. We’re proud of our team of licensed electricians, who deliver quality service and expert know-how to our clients. Call us today: we’d love to help you lower your energy usage and costs.