What is the energy-saving mode on the thermostat? Does it work to save money?

Electricity saving has become one of the most relevant public discussion topics of the last decade. Probably because of that, the energy-saving mode on the thermostat is such a crucial feature these devices now have.

But a quick internet search is enough to know that some people wonder if this function works.

Well, YES, the energy-saving mode (also known as recovery mode) present on most modern thermostats does, indeed, work. But bear with us because, in this article, we’ll dive a little deeper and explain how much money you can save and more!

What is the energy-saving mode on the thermostat?

To understand how the energy-saving mode on the thermostat helps you save money, we’ll have first to explain what is a smart thermostat.

Many people still use those non-programmable devices for controlling home heating. However, most of what you can do is turn it on and off and set a specific temperature. These thermostats don’t have an energy-saving mode.

Smart thermostats, on the other hand, have that function. With them, you can, for example, program thermostats to specific schedules, so they will start heating your room at the correct times and lower temperatures when you’re asleep or away.

The energy-saving mode is a built-in feature that helps reduce power consumption by automatically (and gradually) raising or lowering the room’s temperature.

For example, set your smart thermostat to raise the temperature by 7:00 pm (when you get home, for instance). The system in energy-saving mode will start raising the temperature by 6:00 pm, an hour before the appointed time.

How does the energy-saving mode work to save money on the electricity bill?

The energy-saving mode helps by keeping the room’s temperature as low as possible - for as long as possible.

Here’s how it works: The thermostat uses the information you enter into its schedule and ensures the room is at your comfort level when you get home (or, at least, as close as possible). That process is designed to save energy, especially when you’re away.

The energy-saving mode is beneficial. While the expensive electricity bills keep going up, most of us are clueless about saving money from our electricity bills. And that’s why a lot of companies and homes use energy-saving mode on their thermostats.

How much energy can a smart thermostat save?

Estimates on how much the energy-saving mode on the thermostat will save vary, but 10% is - at least - what most manufacturers suggest. It’s best to measure it yourself and see just how well it works for you.

Exact numbers depend on the climate in your region, how big your home is, and how many people live there.

But, according to Nest, a smart thermostat can save you up to 12% on heating and 15% on cooling, which translates to around $131-$145 in annual savings.

Energy Star claims their smart thermostats can save up to 8% on heating or cooling, which translates to an average of $50 per year.

Is it better to leave your thermostat at a constant temperature?

The answer to this question depends on your goal. Simply put, if you prioritize comfort over saving money, then yes, it’s better to leave your thermostat at a constant temperature (the one that makes you comfortable).

But if you want to spend less on the electricity bill, then keep it at a few degrees below your comfort zone (or use an energy-saving mode on the thermostat).

Considering that heating makes up a large portion of your energy costs, lowering your thermostat can lead to significant savings on your monthly electricity bill.

How can I prevent unwanted tampering on my thermostat?

Now that you know the basics, you’re ready to save good money by using the appropriate settings on your smart thermostat. The only downside is that if your thermostat is in a public place (like an office or store), you’ll always be susceptible to unwanted equipment tampering.

Sure, you probably have (or at least heard of) protective cases to cover the thermostat panel, but you probably don’t like those because most of them require a key to open the case - and losing it would be an absolute headache.

But have you ever considered a keyless protective cover? If you ever do, make sure you visit our website and learn more about StatGuardPlus. Our innovative solutions protect your thermostat from accidental damage, vandalism, and unwanted tampering - while it still looks stylish on your wall.