Programmable Thermostat Setup Guide to Save 15% on Heating
Programmable thermostats are one of the easiest and most cost-effective upgrades you can make to your home. When set up correctly, they can save you as much as 10 to 15 percent a year on heating costs, all while maintaining a comfortable indoor environment.
The trick is proper setup. A programmable thermostat is only as useful as its schedule. In this guide, you’ll learn how to configure your thermostat for maximum savings during the heating season, avoid common mistakes, and fine-tune it to your lifestyle.
Why Programmable Thermostats Save Money
Heating systems account for a major portion of residential energy bills, especially in colder climates. The longer your home stays at a high temperature during the winter, the more fuel or electricity your system consumes.
A programmable thermostat saves money by automatically lowering the temperature during times when you're not home or when you're asleep. Instead of relying on manual adjustments—which are easy to forget—it handles the work for you.
Even a small reduction in indoor temperature for a few hours a day can result in noticeable savings. Dropping your thermostat by just 7 to 10 degrees for 8 hours daily can cut annual heating expenses by up to 15 percent.
Know Your Thermostat Type
Before setting your schedule, identify the kind of programmable thermostat you have. There are three main types:
- 7-day models: Allow different settings for each day of the week. Great for variable schedules.
- 5-2 models: One schedule for weekdays, another for weekends.
- 5-1-1 models: One for weekdays, separate for Saturday and Sunday.
Newer smart thermostats also allow app-based control, learning capabilities, and geofencing. But even the most basic models can save energy when programmed correctly.
Understand Your Heating System
Programmable thermostats work with most forced air, radiant, or baseboard systems. However, if you have a heat pump, high-efficiency modulating furnace, or multi-stage heating, check that your thermostat is compatible.
Some older thermostats don’t handle heat pump systems well and may accidentally increase energy use. Consult your manual or HVAC technician if you're unsure.
Recommended Heating Schedule
Here’s a sample heating schedule for a household that leaves for work in the morning and returns in the evening:
Weekdays
- 6:00 AM: Raise temperature to 68°F
- 8:00 AM: Lower to 60°F when everyone leaves
- 5:00 PM: Raise to 68°F before arrival home
- 10:00 PM: Lower to 62°F for sleep
Weekends
- 7:00 AM: Raise to 68°F
- 10:00 PM: Lower to 62°F
These set points can be adjusted to your comfort level, but the key is creating consistent periods of setback (lower temperature) that occur automatically.
Find Your Comfort Zone
Not everyone is comfortable at the same temperature. Some people prefer 70°F, others are fine with 65°F. What matters is that you consistently use setback periods during the day and overnight.
Wear warmer clothes indoors in the winter to tolerate slightly lower temperatures. Invest in flannel bedding or a programmable heated blanket for nighttime comfort. The more consistently you can reduce your thermostat setting, the greater the savings.
Layer Your Strategy: Use Zones If You Have Them
Some homes have zoned heating, allowing different temperatures in different areas. Use this to your advantage.
- Lower the temperature in unused bedrooms or guest rooms
- Focus heat on living spaces during active hours
- Close vents and doors to isolate warm areas
If you don’t have zoned heating, use space heaters in limited areas while setting your main thermostat lower. Always use safe, energy-efficient space heaters and never leave them unattended.
Avoid These Common Mistakes
Incorrect use of a programmable thermostat can reduce or even eliminate potential savings. Watch out for these common errors:
1. Using the override button too often: Manually raising the temperature frequently defeats the purpose of a schedule. If you find yourself always overriding, tweak your schedule instead.
2. Cranking the thermostat up to heat faster: Thermostats don’t control how fast your system works—just how long. Setting it to 75°F won’t heat your home faster than 68°F. It just risks overheating and wasted energy.
3. Letting setbacks drop too low: While deeper setbacks save energy, they can lead to discomfort or overcompensation when reheating. A drop of 7 to 10 degrees is usually enough.
4. Forgetting to adjust for seasonal changes: As temperatures rise or fall, revisit your settings. Your winter schedule won’t make sense in spring.
Take Advantage of Smart Features
Many programmable thermostats include extra features that enhance energy savings:
- Adaptive learning: Learns how long it takes to heat your home and adjusts start times accordingly
- Vacation mode: Temporarily changes the schedule while you're away without deleting settings
- Filter change reminders: Helps maintain HVAC efficiency
- Geofencing: With smart models, adjusts temperature based on your phone’s location
Explore your thermostat’s manual to see what features are available and how to use them properly.
Maintain for Maximum Efficiency
A programmable thermostat is only part of the energy-saving puzzle. Combine it with HVAC maintenance and home weatherization for best results.
- Replace furnace filters every 1–3 months
- Seal drafts around doors and windows
- Use curtains strategically to block or let in sunlight
- Insulate your attic and walls if possible
All these actions reduce the workload on your heating system, making your programmable thermostat more effective.