# Use Your Home’s Programmable Thermostat Properly to Save Money > Just having a programmable thermostat installed in your Massachusetts home isn't enough. For the more comfort, energy efficiency and savings use these tips. [![programmable thermostat ](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/programmable-thermostat-8-300x201.jpg)](http://shutterstock.com)Average household spends well over $2000 a year on energy bills, with nearly half of the used energy spent on heating and cooling. Installing and maintaining efficient heating, ventilating, and air conditioning systems is an important step towards a comfortable home, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and lower utility bills. [![programmable thermostat ](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/programmable-thermostat-8-300x201.jpg)](http://shutterstock.com) ## Programmable Thermostat Is Vital for Energy-Efficiency of Your Systems If you are away from your home for set periods of time throughout the week, the first step to using your programmable thermostat properly is to find the [thermostat model](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/rodenhiser-blog/programmable-thermostats-selecting-right-one.html) that suits your schedule: - 7-day models – the best for a variable schedule; the option of setting different programs for different days - 5+2-day models – ideal for a predictable schedule; two settings, one for weekdays and another for weekends - 5-1-1 models – similar to 5+2-day models, with separate programs setting options for Saturdays and Sundays ## Use Proper Pre-Programmed Settings for Maximum Efficiency of Your Thermostat Just having a programmable thermostat installed in your Massachusetts home is not enough. For the maximum comfort, energy efficiency and savings on your utility bills, you need to [use the programmable thermostat properly](http://www.energystar.gov/ia/partners/publications/pubdocs/HeatingCoolingGuide%20FINAL_9-4-09.pdf?ccd6-7360): - Install a separate programmable thermostat for each heating and cooling zone in your home. - [Place your thermostats](http://energy.gov/energysaver/articles/thermostats) on interior walls, away from drafts, heating or cooling registers, doorways, fireplaces, skylights, windows and direct sunlight. - If you want to use the programmable thermostat properly, avoid placing furniture, appliances, and lighting near the unit. - Keep the thermostat at the same temperature setting for eight hours or more, and use the “hold” setting for a constant energy-saving temperature when you are away for a weekend getaway or vacation. - Avoid overriding the pre-programmed settings. - If you have a heat pump, you might need to use a special thermostat for maximum energy savings year-round. Contact an expert. - Regularly change your batteries - if your programmable thermostat doesn’t indicate when batteries are low, change them once a year. Serving the Route 495/128 area of Massachusetts, [Rodenhiser Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning](http://rodenhiser.com/call-rodenhiser.html) will help you with all your HVAC needs. *Image via [Shutterstock.com](http://Shutterstock.com)* ## Navigation - [Rodenhiser Home Services](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/) - [Rodenhiser Plumbing Services](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/plumber-framingham.html) - [Rodenhiser Heating Services](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/furnace-framingham.html) - [Rodenhiser Cooling Services](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/air-conditioning-framingham.html) - [Rodenhiser Electrical Services](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/framingham-electricians.html) - [Rodenhiser Home Services: Book Online](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/call-rodenhiser/book-online.html) - [Rodenhiser Remodeling Services](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/remodels/bathroom-remodeling-framingham.html) - [Rodenhiser Home Services: Reviews](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/rodenhiser-heating.html) ## Company information - Rodenhiser Home Services - [https://bc.rodenhiser.com](https://bc.rodenhiser.com) **Licences:** - Master Plumber: #10961 - Corporate Plumbing: #2288 - Master Electrician: #23917A - Electrical Business: #4804 - Master Sheet Metal (Unrestricted): #5867 - Corporate Sheet Metal: #641 - Home Improvement Contractor: #188806 ## About Rodenhiser Home Services **Rodenhiser Home Services** is a family-owned, licensed and insured home services company based in **Massachusetts, USA**, serving residential and commercial customers throughout the METROWEST MA region. Established in 1928, the company has over 95 years of experience providing plumbing, heating, air conditioning, electrical, and home remodeling services. Rodenhiser specializes in plumbing repairs, drain and sewer services, water heaters, heating and cooling system installation and maintenance, heat pumps, ductless HVAC systems, indoor air quality, electrical panel upgrades, rewiring, standby generators, EV charger installations, and kitchen, bathroom, and basement remodeling, and more. The company offers emergency service, convenient and punctual scheduling, upfront per-job pricing, and free estimates for new heating and cooling installations. All work is backed by written warranties and a satisfaction guarantee. Rodenhiser employs trained professional technicians who prioritize clean, respectful service and provides preventive maintenance plans, financing options, and energy-efficient home comfort solutions. Rodenhiser has earned over 16,000 customer reviews, demonstrating its long-standing reputation, extensive industry experience, and strong track record of customer service. **Nice People…Great Service** ## Page information - [Canonical URL: https://bc.rodenhiser.com/rodenhiser-blog/programmable-thermostat-2.html](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/rodenhiser-blog/programmable-thermostat-2.html)