If your home has a central heating system, a programmable thermostat may help control your costs. Knowing the best ways to use the device ensures you reap maximum benefits. Here are tips for maintaining comfortable temperatures and saving money all season.  

How a Programmable Thermostat Helps Manage Your Central Heating System

1. Reduce Temperature Automatically

Programming the thermostat to reduce the set temperature in the home automatically for 8-hour periods or longer typically saves money. Central heating systems using oil or gas heat are likely to see the most benefit due to their high energy consumption. 

Lowering the temperature two degrees during the day when no one is at home, and at night while everyone sleeps does two things: it generates energy savings and avoids strain on your system due to wide temperature swings. A thermostat set between 60 and 67 degrees Fahrenheit provides the best room temperature for sleeping adults. Consider setting the temperature at 68 degrees F. when you're home and 66 degrees F. when away and at bedtime.  

2. Use Hold for Vacations

If you expect your home to be vacant for a day or more, the hold/vacation setting is an energy-efficient option for running your central heating system. This feature lets you select and maintain a single temperature in the house and the central heating system holds it there while everyone is away for long periods.

3. Set Gradual Changes

To ensure your home's temperature is what you want at a particular time, program the thermostat to start cooling or heating about two or three hours sooner. However, if your thermostat has a smart recovery or adaptive feature, this process is not necessary because it does so automatically. 

If your home has a zoned central heating system, make sure you have a programmable thermostat for each zone. Each device will manage the temperatures for its zone, giving you maximum comfort in each area and energy savings all around. 
 

For help in using your programmable thermostat for your central heating system, contact Critical Air in Rosenberg-Richmond, TX. These expert HVAC contractors serve residents in Fort Bend County and are backed by more than 20 years of experience. Find out more about their residential HVAC services online. To schedule a visit, call (281) 468-4250.