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Programmable Thermostats...Save Money

Saving Energy and Money through Programmable Thermostats

Global Warming and Rising Fuel Prices - A National Concern

There are two problems the world is facing today - global warming and rising fuel prices. The first problem has been disputed by a few scientists but what you are experiencing today tells another thing. Extreme weather conditions seemed to be a common occurrence nowadays which has resulted to loss not only in property but also in lives. Every year, you can expect that the Caribbean will be experience hurricanes that could cost the islands millions of dollars in rehabilitation. Our country also experiences the same thing. If you are not experiencing extreme heat, you are experiencing extreme cold. This situation is felt worldwide and have caused significant loss in agriculture and way of living.

Another problem that everyone is facing is the rising cost of fuel. Although you have seen significant improvement in fuel prices, you are still paying for the same price of gasoline. If you are thinking that fuel prices will go down, think again. Prices in the country may have stabilized a little bit but it will never go down.

These two concerns have affected are the national economy. We didn't even mention the sub-prime mortgage crisis which has affected the lives of millions. Because of these conditions, the prices of certain commodities have increased. That is why it is very important to cut costs in everything that we do. Our homes and business have to think of ways of reducing the cost of operations or face the consequences.

Among the most practical and the easiest way to save money and energy in business is to install programmable thermostats. Setting up is very easy and if done correctly, will only have to be at least twice which is once in hot and another in cold season. By selecting the right type programmable thermostat, you can save a good amount of money without being too wasteful in energy.

The Programmable Thermostat

Simply put, a programmable thermostat is a device that controls the temperature at home so that energy could be conserved. It's a very simple device that's easy to install and when properly configured, it could mean significant savings for homes and businesses. Without the programmable thermostat, you could be leaving your home while the air-conditioning system is on. Some do this to ensure that their homes would stay cool as soon as they arrive. But this could be very costly since no one is really there to enjoy the running air conditioning system. Granted that you only work in one shift, you are practically letting your air-conditioning system run for an extra eight hours - which means additional payment for your electric bill. With the help of programmable thermostat, you can set your air-conditioning unit to switch off after five minutes you leave and automatically switch on 30 minute before you arrive so that you house would be cool once arrive there. Programmable thermostat will not only make your life comfortable but also help you save on energy.

Types of Programmable Thermostat

There are five types of programmable thermostats, each with their advantage and disadvantages.

1. Electromechanical Thermostat - if you have a regular schedule, this type of programmable thermostat is perfect for you. Electromechanical or EM usually comes as manually operated type of thermostat. You'll be able adjust how many hours will the air-conditioning and heating unit to stay on and control the temperature from there. This type of thermostat however is not applicable to heat pumps.

2. Digital Thermostat - if you would like to leave and enter a house with a perfect temperature, this type of thermostat could be for you. Digital thermostats could be scheduled along with their corresponding temperature. This is highly flexible and could get really complicated in the process of customization. Just make sure your schedule coincides with the digital thermostat or else it just defeats the purpose of this type of thermostat.

3. Hybrid Thermostat - the combination of EM and Digital thermostat, this type of thermostat offers the simplicity of the EM thermostat while offering the level of customization from the digital thermostat.

4. Occupancy Thermostat - if you think EM thermostat is the simplest type of thermostat then you've never seen an occupancy thermostat yet. Occupancy thermostat is used in structures that are rarely occupied but needs a controlled environment. Occupancy thermostat has usually one button which automatically activates the preferred level of temperature for a determined period of time. After the set time, the normal temperature will go back to its original setting.

5. Light Sensing Thermostat - this is probably the most complicated as well as the most expensive type of thermostat. This type of thermostat reacts to the lighting conditions of the area. Common light sensing thermostats never require any batteries and their settings is usually kept even when there is power failure.

Energy Star and EERE

The US government has also set up institutions in hopes of aiding the citizens save on electricity. Two departments were set-up to help with the cause: Energy Star and EERE or Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.

Energy Star was established in 1992 and its primary aim is to help the consumers choose energy efficient appliances. The Office of EERE, on the other hand, has taken on a bigger role in helping the country ensure that there is still available energy for tomorrow.

Their role in helping you conserve energy is tremendous. The hand of EERE can't be seen directly but they influence manufacturers on how to build products and make them more energy efficient. Energy Star on the other hand evaluates each appliance released in the market and determines if they provide the energy efficiency expected. For heating and cooling appliances, look for the Energy Star logo and expect an increased energy efficiency of no less than 10%. The efficiency of the system placed by Energy Star has been so effective that it has been adapted to other countries as well. Other appliances could provide as much as 41% energy efficiency (dishwashers) and fluorescent lights could be at a whopping 75% efficient when they have been certified by energy star.

Saving with the Use of Programmable Thermostats

Purchasing a programmable thermostat would mean nothing if it will not help save in your electric bill. Here are some tips on how you could save energy with the use of programmable thermostat.

1. Proper installation/replacement - avoid placing your thermostat to heat or cool sources such as heaters, air conditioning unit, windows or doors. As much as possible, get a professional so that you'll have a proper thermostat that could help you determine the temperature in your home.

2. Set the thermostat to stay in a savings point as long as possible - if you are working eight hours a day, set the thermostat in money saving temperature for as long as eight hours or more. The beauty of programmable thermostat is that you don't have to switch the air conditioner or heater all the time as the thermostat could power down these appliances automatically.

3. Never drastically change the temperature in your house - this is often a misconception in general households. You may increase the temperature of your home dramatically but you are practically destroying your heating and cooling appliances. Eventually, your appliances will require more energy to properly function.

4. Place the setback temperature from 10 to 15 degrees - If you know when you'll be coming in, the setback temperature could be turned back as much as 15 degrees for optimal savings.

5. Sacrifice and reduce temperature by 2 degrees - even if you are at home, increase the temperature by 2 degrees during summer or reduce it by 2 degrees during winter. Your body will not really feel the difference but your electric bill will notice it.

6. Check the batteries annually - battery powered programmable thermostats could usually run for a year without changing batteries. To make sure your programmable thermostats provide the right information and functions correctly, change them every 10 months or buy a programmable thermostat with a battery monitor functionality.
7. Patience with manual thermostats - digital thermostats are highly recommended for maximum savings but that doesn't mean your manual thermostats will not help you save on energy. Just be sure to set the temperature every time you leave the house.

8. Careful considerations for business - if you're running a business, never compromise on quality and quantity of programmable thermostats. Consult an HVAC professional so that the right number of thermostats installed in your office. Usually, you'll end up with an occupancy or light sensing programmable thermostat for your business so that automatic adjustment is possible.

Programmable thermostat is highly recommended in every home. Whether or not you're using digital programmable thermostats, it is important to know how you could use the thermostat to your advantage to save money. Saving through thermostat will not only help you save monthly but you are also helping the environment reduce its energy consumption. Always look for the energy star seal to achieve maximum performance of the appliance with energy efficiency.

About the Author

Paul Kapschock is an author, researcher, web designer and developer and CEO of Good Sense Inc. Good Sense Inc. owns and operates informational websites for the general public and niche specific sites for avid readers.
His latest website, programmableThermostats.org
can be found here