Top HVAC Thermostat Programming Tips

Programming your HVAC thermostat allows the system to automate its controls, maximize energy efficiency, and maximize heating and cooling efficiency. However, you will only reap all these benefits if you get the programming right. Below are some practical tips to help you program your thermostat.

Use the Right Thermostat

Choose the right thermostat, depending on your needs. Below are four basic types of programmable thermostats from which you can choose.

7-Day

The thermostat lets you program a different schedule for each day of the week. This option is best if your schedule changes every day.

5-1-1

This option lets you program a schedule for the week, plus different schedules for each day of the weekend. Consider this option if you have a similar schedule for the weekdays and a different schedule for each day of the weekend.

5-2

The 5-2 thermostat works similarly to the 5-1-1 thermostat. The main difference is that, for the 5-2 type, both days of the weekend get the same program.

1-Week

1-week programming means you have the same heating and cooling program for each day of the week, including the weekends. This option makes sense if your days are more or less the same, including the weekends.

Understand the Thermostat's Settings and Operations

Understand how your thermostat works before start using it. Read the owner's manual. You can also ask your HVAC technician for advice.

For example, you should know how to program the thermostat and save its settings. You should also know the thermostat's recovery time, which refers to the time it takes for the ambient temperature to match that on the thermostat.

Understanding the recovery time means you don't waste energy heating or cooling the house if no one is at home. For example, if the recovery time is 20 minutes, you can set the thermostat to commence heating or cooling 20 minutes before getting home.

Consider Your Schedule When Programming

A programmable thermostat works best if you program it to match your circumstances. Some things to consider include: 

• The prevailing weather
• The number of occupants in the house at any time
• Your arrival and departure times from the house

Say you will leave the house every day at midday and coming back at dusk. Program your thermostat to raise the temperature slightly when you leave the house and lower it to comfortable temperatures slightly before your arrival. That way, you can keep the house comfortable without spending too much energy.

Review the Programming As Necessary

Don't hesitate to review and adjust the programming when necessary. For example, you may need to adjust the scheduling if:

• Your shift changes unexpectedly and you have to leave the house earlier than usual
• Your house is usually vacant during the day, but you have guests, so it's occupied
• The weather suddenly changes

Consider everyone's schedule if you are multiple people in the house.

Minimize Erratic and Frequent Adjustments

Adjusting the programming may be necessary, but they shouldn't be too erratic and numerous adjustments. Don't adjust the programming for a change that will only last a few hours.

The HVAC takes time to raise or lower the temperature whenever you adjust the settings. At the same time, increasing or decreasing the temperature requires more energy than mainlining stable temperatures. Thus, erratic and frequent temperature changes can easily lead to energy inefficiency.

In addition to efficient programming, your HVAC also requires good installation, servicing, and repair. You can get all these and more from Comfort Technology Heating & Air Conditioning. We have been in the heating and cooling industry for over 25 years, and you can rely on our professionalism. Contact us for all your HVAC needs.