Increasing Energy Efficiency: Programmable Thermostats
To get the most out of your high efficiency furnace, you have to use it efficiently. That’s not to say that the newer, high efficiency furnaces won’t perform well, because they will. But you can take their performance to a higher level and have savings from reduced energy consumption pay for the change needed.
How Is This Accomplished - Programmable Thermostats
For an average home of 2,200 square feet, a programmable thermostat can save about one hundred eighty dollars per year — $180.00! The price of programmable thermostats can range from $80 to $500 depending on the complexity of the unit. But, for most homes, the savings will pay for the thermostat within the first year of use. And, the life span of a thermostat is about ten years — that’s an average savings of $1,800.00 over its lifetime!
The Thermostat Won’t Forget
The reason for the savings is very simple…you only heat and cool when it’s needed. Once you program it, it will turn up your furnace when you are home such as in the morning when you are getting ready for work, or in the evenings and so on, but will turn down prior to bedtime or after you go to work.
Studies have shown that no matter how well intentioned most people are, life gets in the way of turning your furnace up or down regularly, or on a timely basis. A programmable thermostat doesn’t have to change a diaper, do the laundry, answer the unexpected phone call or forget to turn the heat down before going to work. The thermostat just follows the program you have set for it.
Why The Range In Prices
Thermostats range in price because of the wide variety of tasks theymay have to perform. For example, on the low end of the scale, an $80 model will control a basic furnace and air conditioner. However, the more a thermostat is required to do, the more it will cost, primarily for the programming. For example, some thermostats may be used for:
- Operating variable speed blowers
- Controlling variable flame levels
- Monitoring zone dampers
- Diagnosing furnace trouble
- Monitoring when to change furnace filters
- With Air Conditioning— controlling multi stage condensers
- Monitoring humidity levels
- Monitoring when to change water boards for humidifiers
“If you are interested in saving money, using less energy and actually having your home be a more comfortable, even temperature, a programmable thermostat will do it,” says Sundstrom. “In addition to investing in an energy efficient furnace and air conditioner, you can use them more efficiently and increase their benefits. You can’t lose in that situation.”
