Programmable Thermostats
Technology
Snapshot & Benefits:
Programmable thermostats work with your heating and cooling system to control
temperatures throughout the day to maximize energy savings. This entails
automatically adjusting temperatures according to pre-set or established
settings to keep the home comfortable when homeowners are there and saving
energy when they are gone or sleeping. This technology helps save energy
because the closer your home's temperature is to its surroundings, the less
energy will be spent on heating or cooling. Programmable thermostats allow you
to set different temperatures for different times of the day (typically waking,
daytime, evening, and sleep) so that you are not heating or cooling an empty
house when you are not there. Temperatures will automatically adjust back to
the comfortable temperatures established in your settings before you wake up or
return home.
Most programmable thermostats come
pre-programmed
for typical heating and cooling needs. These settings can be easily adjusted to
better suit your schedule. Many also feature a manual override that allows you
to temporarily adjust temperatures without interfering with later programmed
settings. Most models have a hold or vacation feature that allows you to adjust
your home's temperatures when you are gone for extended periods of time.
There are a few different types of programmable thermostats. When deciding which
model to purchase, consider your family's schedule and when you need the most
flexibility.
1.
7-day: This model offers the most overall
flexibility by allowing you to alter your settings separately for each day of
the week.
2.
5-2 day: This model creates one
setting for weekdays (Monday-Friday) and a different setting for weekends
(Saturday and Sunday).
3.
5-1-1: This model allows you to create one
setting for weekdays and two separate settings for Saturday and Sunday.
Estimated Cost Savings:
The initial cost of a programmable thermostat ranges anywhere from $25 to over
$250. Generally, standard models come in at the lower end of that range
($25-$80). These models can usually accomplish most if not all desired
settings. Because most programmable thermostats can be self-installed, there is
no required installation cost. If you opt for a professional installation from
an HVAC specialist, you can expect to pay between $100 and $400. According to
the
U.S. Department of Energy, installing a programmable thermostat and setting
back temperatures 10-15% at least 8 hours a day, you can save an average of 10%
off your heating and cooling bill every year, which provides a relatively quick
payback period.
Click here for Energy Star's Programmable Thermostat Savings Calculator to
see how much you could save.
Issues:
In heating mode, turning the temperature up and down on heat pumps can cause
malfunction. Because of this, programmable thermostats do not work as well with
heat pumps as they do with traditional furnaces. Keep your heat pump on a
moderate setting to help save energy. For more information on what a heat pump
is and how it can save energy,
click here.
Many electric resistance systems (i.e. electric baseboard heating) utilize
120-volt or 240-volt circuits. There are not many programmable thermostats on
the market that are compatible with this requirement. If you are looking to
install a programmable thermostat with an electric resistance system, check
packaging labels to make sure they are compatible or consider professional
advice.
Steam heating and radiant floor heat have slow response times. In other words,
it takes longer for these heating systems to react to settings than traditional
furnaces. If you are installing a programmable thermostat with one of these
systems, make sure you choose one that can track the performance of the heating
system to know when to turn on and off to accommodate for the slower response
time.
Tips on Using a Programmable Thermostat:
-
Adjust the temperature down in the winter and up in the summer to help save
energy.
-
Adjusting temperatures 10-15 degrees while you are gone for at least 8 hours
helps maximize energy savings.
-
Do not adjust your settings to extremes (90
degrees
for heat and 40 degrees for cool). These extreme temperature settings will
not result in quicker heating/cooling.
-
If your home has multiple heating circuits, install a programmable
thermostat for each zone.
-
Programmable thermostats are ideal for families or individuals who are out
of the house for long periods of time during the day (i.e. for work or
school). Keep your schedule in mind when considering programmable
thermostats.
Installation (Getting It Done):
Most programmable thermostats can easily be installed without professional
assistance. Follow packaging labels and directions to ensure it is done
properly. For best results, install the thermostat on an interior wall away
from sources of heat and cooling (vents, doors, lamps, sunlight, etc.).
Typically, programmable thermostats are installed in place of existing
thermostats, so it is important to move any lamps or heat-generating appliances
away from your current thermostat before installing a programmable one to allow
it to function properly. Turn off the electricity when installing to avoid
electric shocks. If you have any questions or would like a professional
installation, contact your local HVAC specialist. Some thermostats contain a
mercury tube, so be careful when installing the new one or removing an old one
to avoid dangerous breakage.
Videos on This Topic:
Programmable Thermostats
(4:18) - Sierra Club Green Homes -
Programmable
thermostats can be a great way to reduce heating and cooling costs as they
regulate home heat by automatically changing temperatures at certain times of
night or day as set by the homeowner. In this video from Sierra Club Green
Homes, watch as Owen Bailey gives a step-by-step guide to simple installation.
How to
Use a Programmable Thermostat
(4:50) - Energy Star - Find out what to look for when purchasing a thermostat
and how to program them to best suit your family's comfort needs while reducing
energy usage.
How to Install a
Programmable Thermostat
(2:47) - This Old House - In this video from This Old House, find out how to
install a programmable thermostat into your home to start saving energy and
money on heating and cooling costs today.
How to Program a
Thermostat
(5:12) - The Home Depot - By programming your thermostat to adjust according to
your schedule, you can drastically reduce your energy usage by avoiding heating
or cooling an empty house. In this video, find out what to keep in mind when
purchasing your thermostat and get some tips and tricks on how to program it to
suit your needs.
More Information On This Topic:
Energy Star - Programmable Thermostats
Energy Star - Programmable Thermostat Tool
Energy Star - Installing a Programmable Thermostat
Energy Star - Tips and Guidelines for Programmable Thermostats
Energy Star - Guide to Efficient Heating and Cooling
Energy Star - Buying Guide
U.S. Department of Energy - Thermostats and Control Systems