Just as the color of the leaves and the hours of sunlight change at this time of the year, so should the settings on your programmable thermostat. Hopefully, you’ve already been reaping the energy savings and improved comfort from using a programmable thermostat to automate indoor temperatures to fit your daily schedule. Proper use of a programmable unit can save up to 20 percent on heating and cooling costs.
Program Your Comfort
Unfortunately, studies show many homeowners stick to the same scheduled temperatures year round—mainly by neglect. Get with the program. Save money and make indoor comfort automatic by resetting your programmable thermostat for fall and winter.
- During the hours when the house is occupied, set the thermostat to bring the house up to 68 degrees by the time people are waking up in the morning.
- During ensuing daytime hours when nobody’s home, bring the temperature down to around 58 degrees. A 10- to 15-degree temperature drop during the long afternoon stretch can save anywhere from five percent to 15 percent in energy expenses.
- As the hour approaches for occupants to return from work or school, program a return to the 68 degree occupied temperature.
- At normal household bedtime, set a target temperature of 53 to 58 degrees for the overnight period. Since you’ll be in bed under covers and comfortable anyway, the lower temperature—and the energy savings that go with it—is a good choice.
Additional Options
You’re not stuck 24/7 with any programmed temperature setting. The thermostat’s “override” function allows you to depart from the schedule at any time and input temporary changes to fit your needs. The thermostat will automatically revert back to the regular program at the next scheduled temperature change. If you’re planning any winter getaways during the coming season, use the “vacation” option and program a consistent temperature around 55 degrees in the house to prevent frozen pipes or damage to indoor plants.
We’ve kept the Wabash Valley warm every winter since 1922. Contact Paitson Bros. for more about programmable thermostat settings for comfort and savings.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Terre Haute, Indiana about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).
Credit/Copyright Attribution: “Peter Gudella/Shutterstock”
Jeff Paitson is a third generation business owner who continues to run the business with the same values that have been passed down from previous generations since 1922.
Jeff’s belief is that the business belongs to Jesus Christ; therefore 10 percent of the company’s profits go toward the Maryland Community Church.
Jeff is a Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce member and in his spare time, he enjoys 
Ethan Rayburn is a lifelong resident of Terre Haute and a 2005 graduate of Purdue University.
An Eagle Scout, Ethan spent four years as a non-profit executive with the Boy Scouts of America before joining Paitson Bros. as a comfort advisor and later General Manager. In that role, Ethan has brought a renewed enthusiasm for customer care, integrity, value, and service to Paitson Bros. Heating & Air Conditioning.
Ethan enjoys singing and was a member of the Purdue Varsity Glee Club. He also enjoys playing and coaching soccer, spending time with his family and two young boys, and volunteering his time and resources with his church, Terre Haute First Baptist Church, which he has attended from a very young age.
Paitson Bros
1 (812) 232-2347
Serving the Wabash Valley, IN Area Since 1922