Did you know that properly using a programmable thermostat in your home is one of the easiest ways you can save energy, money, and help fight global warming? A programmable thermostat helps make it easy for you to save by offering four pre-programmed settings to regulate your home’s temperature in both summer and winter – when you are asleep or away.
The pre-programmed settings that come with programmable thermostats are intended to deliver savings without sacrificing comfort. Depending on your family’s schedule, you can see significant savings by sticking with those settings or adjust them as appropriate for your family.
The key is to establish a program that automatically reduces heating and cooling in your home when you don’t need as much. Use the programmable thermostat calculator to see what you can save with set-back temperatures that work for your family. The pre-programmed settings for a programmable thermostat are:
Most programmable thermostats are a low voltage wiring installation (except ‘line voltage thermostats’) and involve anywhere from 2 – 10 wires, depending on your type of heating and cooling system. You will use the wires connected to your old thermostat to connect your new programmable model. Read all instructions and proceed carefully. Always shut off your electricity during the replacement.
If the job requires more than just a replacement, a certified HVAC professional can ensure proper installation, as well as operation of your heating and cooling system. It’s a good idea to upgrade an old manual thermostat to a programmable unit, if you’re replacing a central air conditioner or heating system given that programmable units are more accurate and will improve the efficiency of your new system. For heat pumps, you may need a special thermostat to improve energy savings year-round. Talk to your retailer or HVAC contractor before selecting the unit.
Also, if you’re replacing a conventional thermostat that has a mercury switch, be careful not to break the tube that holds this toxic substance. Contact your local recycling/hazardous materials center, or the manufacturer of your new thermostat, for advice on proper disposal.
Finally, most homes use just one thermostat to control the whole house. If your home has multiple heating or cooling zones, a programmed setback thermostat for each zone can help you improve comfort, convenience and energy savings throughout the house.
