6 Benefits of Using a Programmable Thermostat
By Jane Marsh
Brrr! We know we aren’t the only ones feeling that winter chill in most parts of the Northern hemisphere this time of year. If it’s getting chilly where you live, you’re probably looking for ways to winterize your home and save money as you see your energy bill skyrocket. Aside from adding home efficiency measures like weatherstripping and sealing gaps, it’s essential to take extra measures to save energy, and save on your energy bill. A programmable thermostat can help. Here are six benefits of using this technology:
1. Consistent Home Temperature
A programmable thermostat works to accommodate your household’s behaviors. That means you don’t have manually update anything as the temperature fluctuations. The heat will run according to your schedule, so you never experience bothersome cold spots, or see that bill go up when you forget to turn it off when you’re not home. This feature saves energy because your furnace won’t have to overcompensate for low temperatures.
2. A Lower Utility Bill
Thankfully, the concept of a programmable thermostat is simple to understand: you set a schedule that tells your furnace when to run. As a result, the heater won’t crank out heat when you’re at work or sleeping. It will maintain a steady temperature when you aren’t moving about your home. That capability can save up to 20% on your utility bill annually.
The best thing about saving energy, other than helping the planet, is spending less money. A reduction in your utility bill means you’re being more sustainable. That’s a win-win for you and the environment.
Image by Dagny Walter from Pixabay
3. Life Made Easier
There’s no other way to put it. A programmable thermostat can streamline your home comfort needs. You won’t have to worry about adjusting it because it works on a set-it-and-forget-it schedule. If you often neglect to change the temperature setting before leaving the house, you won’t have to remember anymore — and you’ll save a lot of energy.
This sentiment rings true year-round, too. You can rely on a programmable thermostat to keep your home at the perfect temperature without lifting a finger. The result is a comfortable space, better energy efficiency, and a lower utility bill.
4. Reduced Maintenance Needs
If your furnace is working too hard, you’ll have to replace it sooner. It’s crucial to ensure you’re not overloading your heating and cooling systems. Otherwise, you’ll be looking at a costly repair or installation bill. By having your heater working on a schedule, your energy needs will be as efficient as possible, and this is easier on the appliances.
If you’re sustainability-minded, you want to keep waste to a minimum. Thus, a sustainable goal is to further your appliances’ longevity. You can always recycle your heating system when it reaches the end of its life — but keeping that heating system efficient and working as long as possible is the best bet.
5. Works Well With Other Systems
You don’t need a traditional system like a gas furnace to use a programmable thermostat. Many eco-friendly heating options are compatible with these devices. For example, if you use solar panels, you can rely on your technology in conjunction with your smart thermostat to save even more energy.
Therefore, don’t hesitate to install a programmable thermostat, regardless of the heating source. If you’re considering switching to a greener energy system, you won’t have to compromise. You’ll get the best of both worlds.
6. Wi-Fi Features
Various smart thermostat models have Wi-Fi compatibility. This feature provides even more flexibility for energy-saving possibilities. If you forget to adjust your heating schedule before you travel, you can modify your settings from your phone. These gadgets often provide energy reports, too. That data will help you adjust your use of the programmable thermostat to save as much energy as possible.
Keep Your Home Warm and Efficient This Winter
Don’t let cold weather mean wasted energy and high utility bills to stay comfortable in your house. You can keep your environment warm and efficient at the same time. By using a programmable thermostat, it’s easy to save money and energy while you stay cozy.
About the author: Jane works as an environmental writer and the editor-in-chief of Environment.co where she gives practical tips for living a greener life.
Get the Green Living Ideas book in softcover or PDF for as low as $2.99!
About the Author
Guest Contributor is many, many people. We publish a number of guest posts from experts in a large variety of fields. This is our contributor account for those special people. :D
Related Posts
10 Tips For Starting An Indoor Garden →
How to Go Paperless in 2021 →
