Sears Blue Climate Crew

Thermostat Tips that Save Money

When it comes to heating or cooling your home, you can save money not just by changing the temperature, but also by changing the thermostat. If you have a mechanical thermostat in your home, consider changing to an electronic one. They are more efficient, more effective and when used properly can save you money.

Mechanical Thermostats

Mechanical thermostats are the least expensive and are easiest to install. They are built around either a bimetallic strip or a vapor-filled bellows that reacts to temperature changes. Some thermostats, particularly inexpensive bimetallic strip units, are slow to respond to temperature changes, leading to temperature swings of 3° or more above or below the thermostat set point. When this happens, homeowners often find themselves fiddling with the thermostat settings. The result is less effective use of your heating/air conditioning system and greater costs for you.

Electronic Thermostats

Electronic thermostats detect temperature electronically and are constantly measuring the ambient temperature. As a result, they react to changes more quickly and provide more accurate control.

Programmable electronic thermostats allow you to decide what temperature you want the house to be at any time. The simplest models allow you to program day/night settings; the most complex allow you to set different temperatures both for time and day of the week. Look for "Energy Star" rated programmable electronic thermostats. These provide at least four settings to allow you to maximize the efficiency of your home energy use, and in some regions you may be eligible for a government rebate on part of your purchase price.

Getting the Most Savings from Your Thermostat

The way to save money with your thermostat is by adjusting the temperature. When it's cold, keeping your home at a lower temperature saves you money. When it's hot, letting it be a little warmer does the same. The advantage of the programmable electronic thermostat is that it makes these adjustments for you, ensuring that they happen every time, instead of relying on your memory. You can save from 5 percent to 20 percent on your energy bill, depending on how much you adjust and where you live.

When It's Cold Outside

Set your thermostat at 70°F during the day. If you find that temperature a bit cool, wearing a sweater is much less expensive than turning up the heat. At night turn the temperature down to 61°F. The air will be cool, but you will all be warm and snug in your beds. When no one is going to be home use the same setting as you do at night. It may be tempting to go colder, but going too cold can cause condensation on your windows, which can cause damage.

A Warning: Cranking the Thermostat

The speed at which your house heats or cools depends on your system, not your thermostat. Cranking up the thermostat to 80°F winter or down to 70°F in the summer won't warm or cool your house any faster; it just keeps the heating/cooling on longer and waste money. For best results, keep the thermostat on the temperature you want and leave it there.