As energy and fuel costs continue to soar, programmable thermostats are increasing in popularity. Although programmable thermostats are a great way to save on energy costs, there are other factors to consider. Programmable thermostats are not a perfect solution for everyone.
Programmable thermostats offer multiple settings for different times of the day. This is an energy-saver’s dream come true. For example, if no one is home during the day, you can set the thermostat to keep the central off while you are out and then come back on an hour before you typically arrive home. You can arrive home to a comfy house without waiting for it to cool down. During the late night and early morning hours while you’re sleeping, you can also program the thermostat to change temperatures during times when the weather naturally grows cooler. The same methods apply to heat as well. You may not need that much heat at night while you’re under the blankets, but with a programmable thermostat, you can wake up to a warm house without waiting for the heat to come on.
Not Suitable for All Families
One of the downsides of programmable thermostats when it comes to reducing energy costs is that you can’t really maximize their benefits if there is always somebody home that doesn’t want to be too hot or cold. If you have older children that are home during the day while you’re at work, a spouse who works a different shift or works from home, or someone who is retired living with you then it’s nearly impossible to program the thermostat effectively.
Convenience
Programmable thermostats reduce the amount of effort you have to put into being energy-conscious. Many people only need to adjust their settings less than six times a year as the seasons change. You can cross setting the thermostat off your to-do list for weeks at a time assured that you’ll save money without having to think about it every day.
Change Isn’t Easy
If you have a flexible schedule, or have to adjust to multiple family members’ schedules, reprogramming the thermostat can sometimes be tedious and annoying. If your household routine isn’t fairly consistent, a programmable thermostat may be more trouble than it is worth. It also really won’t save you that much money.
Compatibility
It is important to know that programmable thermostats aren’t compatible with all heating and cooling systems. You should consult with a professional before trying to install your own programmable thermostat.
Overall, programmable thermostats are a nearly-effortlessly way to save money on your energy costs. You’ll have the satisfaction of knowing that you’re doing something that is environmentally sound as well. However, some people prefer to manually control their energy consumption on a day-to-day basis. Whatever you decide, any decision you make that conserves energy is a wise one.
About the Author: Deborah Dera is a full-time writer with a passion for personal finance and money saving techniques. She is the founder of Write on the Edge and creates both unique and PLR articles for site owners to integrate into their online marketing campaigns.
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