A programmable thermostat is such a great tool to have in your home to help you control the temperature in your house, at all times of the day. Especially now, as we approach the 100+ degree weather for the next several months, you want (and need) a “smart” thermostat to help you control your temperature and budget your costs. None of us look forward to the high summer energy bills we receive and a programmable thermostat can help you lower your bills.

Check out this fun, interactive site from ENERGY STAR which gives you a step-by-step tutorial on how to program your thermostat. If you are unsure how to operate a programmable thermostat, this is a great start to learn about it.

http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=thermostats.progThermostat

Here are some important things to remember with a programmable thermostat:

• Setting the temperature very high (like 90 or 95) and setting it very low (like 40 or 50) will not help cool or warm your home any quicker than using a more moderate temperature.
• Remember to change the batteries. You may need to check if your thermostat has a battery indicator. If not, change the battery at the same time you change your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors (at the Daylight Savings time in the spring and in the fall).
• Set your energy-saving settings for long periods of time (for example – 8 hours) during the day and during bed/sleep time. Consistent temperatures for longer periods of time, is best.
• During vacation, set the temperature at a constant temperature throughout the entire period of time you are away from your home.
• If you have a home with zoned heating and cooling, install a programmable thermostat in each zone. This is the best way to take advantage of maximum comfort and energy savings.
• Try to resist overriding your temperature settings. You set them for a reason and to help you save money. When you override them, it likely will contribute to a higher energy bill.

There are many great choices for programmable thermostats. Get started on the best comfort in your home and the lowest energy bills you have ever received. Marlin Services can help you determine what is best for your home and answer any questions you may have.

Stay cool and comfortable!

For more information on how we can help you save BIG this season, contact us NOW: (602) 470-1040

Connect With Us at Marlin Services

We are getting close to the last day of school for the kids and summer vacation for the whole family. This means your home will be empty. There are things you should do before leaving the house for the airport on your way to your favorite beach or European city. Remember, you don’t want to be paying for energy and water bills that you are not using while you are away. In addition to saving money, you want to prevent things like coming home to a flooded house because a water hose burst.

• Shut off water lines to washing machines to avoid flooding problems. If a washing machine water hose bursts while you are away, it can result in thousands of dollars of damage. And dependent on when it happens, in the beginning or end of your vacation, this can be a factor in how much damage is done. It can damage all of the appliances, flooring and drywall and furniture.
• In addition to the washing machine, consider turning off the water supply to your to dishwashers, ice-makers and toilets. This will help prevent unexpected problems and help with your water bill as well.
• Do not leave the dishwasher, dryer or washing machine running when leaving the house. This is especially true if no one will be home or available to check if these appliances shut off.
• Make sure all appliances are turned off, stove, oven, coffeemaker, etc. This can help with your energy bill as well as with safety of your home.
• Be sure the gas stove is turned off. It is easy to overlook and can be dangerous if left on, unattended and for a long period of time.
• Unplug all electronic items. A great tip is to plug all your electronic devices to a power strip so, with one flip of the switch, you can turn off or unplug all items at one time.
• Lower, don’t turn off a water heater. Like air conditioners, water heaters temperatures can be set for the best temperature while you are away and not utilizing hot water in your home. Do not completely shut off a water heater while away as it can cause serious complications when turned back on. Lower the temperature to save on energy and a little money.
• Make sure all doors and windows are locked. This seems like a no-brainer but it is another one of those things that can be easily overlooked.
• Make Sure Toilets Are Not Running. As we learned in one of our April blog posts, a running toilet can lead to a very high water bill. (You can check out the blog post for additional information at http://marlinservices.wordpress.com/2014/04/08/running-toilet-very-large-water-bill/.)
• Close the window treatments on your windows. Especially during the summer, you want to help control the temperature in your house as best as you can.
• Set your programmable thermostat for “vacation temperature”.  Set your thermostat while you are away at one temperature which is higher than when you are home. You do not want a very cool home when no one is home to enjoy it. It will result in an unnecessarily higher energy bill.

Now it’s time to enjoy some great family vacation time!

For more information on how we can help you save BIG this summer, contact us NOW: (602) 470-1040

Connect With Us at Marlin Services