As heating and air systems become more energy efficient, so does the equipment that works with them, including programmable thermostats. If you’re looking for ways to cut costs, upgrading to a programmable thermostat is a fantastic way to do so. There are many different grades of programmable thermostats, from very basic to elaborate. No matter which direction you chose to go, you’ll save money.

How exactly does a programmable thermostat help you save money? Well, first you need to understand what a programmable thermostat is. A programmable thermostat is a thermostat that is designed to adjust the temperature in your home according to a series of programmed settings that take effect at different times of the day. This means that you can be in control of your thermostat even when you are not home.

There are many different options when it comes to programmable thermostats. Some have a seven day schedule. Others have a 5-1-1 or a 5-2 schedule. There is also an option to have connected controls, which can take into consideration weather conditions, turn on and off lights and appliances, and alert you when it’s time to change your home’s air filters. 

How do you know if a programmable thermostat is right for you? Here are a few questions to ask:

• Is your household empty during the day?
• Do you like to sleep in a cooler/warmer temperature? 
• Do you travel often? 

If you answer “yes” to one of these questions, then you should consider a programmable thermostat. If the home is empty during the day, why have your system running on high when it can be set to rest when you’re gone and switch on before you return? Or if you like to sleep in cooler temperatures, you can set a programmable thermostat to a lower temperature before bedtime and it will adjust itself so that your home is nice and comfortable when you get out of bed. Also, while traveling you don’t want to return to a house that is too cold or hot, so you can set your thermostat to be at a comfortable temperature when you return without having your system run on high the whole time you are away.

Why make your system over work when no one is at home? Having a programmable thermostat installed can help reduce your energy costs and expand the lifespan of your system. It’s a small investment that will save you lots in the long run. If you need help choosing a programmable thermostat that is most suitable for your home, give O’Brien Service Company a call at (910) 799-6611. We’d be glad to help!

Jimmy Williams has owned and operated O'Brien Service Company for more than 30 years. Our highly trained and versatile technicians can expertly handle complex repairs and installation, and advise you on the benefits of regular maintenance. O'Brien will work on both residential and commercial systems and is a certified Trane Specialist. Call today to have your system serviced, or to have a free at-home estimate. You can contact us by calling (910) 799-6611, or visit our website at www.obrienservice.com.