10 Programmable Thermostat Tips

Even in the middle of winter, your preferred temperature for your Maine home is sure to vary a bit depending on the time of day and what’s going on out in the elements. With a programmable thermostat, you can take control of your heating oil– or propane-fueled system in a way that’s both cost and energy efficient. Here are a few tips to try.

1. Think about timing. To allow for adjustment time, program your thermostat to begin shutting down your heating (or, in summer, air conditioning) about 20 to 30 minutes before you leave your home. You should set it to start coming back on 20 to 30 minutes before you plan to return.
2. Check out your owner’s manual. One of the easiest ways to make sure your system is running as efficiently as possible is to ensure you really know what you’re doing with it. The manual should give you a sense of how much time you may need to wait for your system to reach a desired temperature, so you can plan accordingly.
3. Don’t overwork your system. For times when you’re home, program your heat to the lowest temperature you can handle while still feeling comfortable. (In the summer, do the reverse—set your programmable thermostat for the warmest temperature that will still be comfortable for you.)
4. Remember the variables. It’s worth noting that manual thermostats can vary up to 5˚ between the set temperature and the actual temperature. However, a programmable thermostat helps you achieve the exact temperature you want.
5. Zone your system. Take advantage of the latest technology the world of home comfort has to offer and zone your system so you don’t waste energy—or money—heating or cooling a room you’re not using. This might mean cutting of the heat to one or more bedrooms during the day, or to your living room when everyone is sleeping.
6. Control the humidity in your home. Check to see if your system has humidification or dehumidification capabilities. If it does, you can also use your programmable thermostat to keep your home at your desired humidity levels each season.
7. Lock your settings. You can lock the temperature settings on your thermostat so it cannot be tampered with.
8. Set up reminders. If your programmable thermostat is “smart,” you can receive notifications about when it’s time to schedule your next tune-up, change your air filter, and even if there is a system issue you need to be aware of.
9. Adjust or set your thermostat from anywhere. If you’ve said “hello” to a smart thermostat, then you’ve said “goodbye” to having to be in your home to make adjustments. Control your home comfort system from your phone or tablet, no matter where you are!
10. Think about your routines. Manage your thermostat’s settings according to your life. You can control the settings on your programmable thermostat from your phone or tablet, and have multiple settings—one for weekdays, one for weekends, one for vacations, and so on.

When in doubt, contact us with your questions! We are here to help, whether you want to learn about automatic delivery, refer a friend or find out about something else.