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What
is a programmable
thermostat?
A
programmable thermostat
automatically changes the temperature in your home at preset times
during the day. For
example, you can program your furnace or heat pump to reduce the
temperature from
70 degrees to 65 degrees while you sleep, come back on 30 minutes
before you
get up so the house is warm while you are getting ready for
work, return to 65
degrees while you are at work, then raise the temperature back to 70
degrees before
you arrive home.
How much do they
cost?
A
good programmable thermostat costs between $50 and $150, depending
on the features.
Can
I install
it myself?
Installing
a programmable thermostat is not difficult.
(Make sure you turn the circuit breaker off.) Most come with
clear
installation instructions but, if you are not comfortable installing
one, a heating
and air conditioning professional can do the job in a few minutes.
What
should I consider when buying a programmable thermostat?
- Make
sure the thermostat is designed for heating and air conditioning;
- If you
have a heat pump, look for a thermostat that is compatible with a heat
pump;
- Consider the
following features when buying:
1.
A battery back-up so
the programming won't be lost in case of a power outage;
2.
The ability to store
and repeat multiple settings;
3.
Instructions on the inside
cover
Doesn't
it take more energy than you would save to raise or
lower the
temperature in the house?
No.
You save fuel between the
time the temperature stabilizes and the next time heating or cooling is
needed. The longer time the furnace, air conditioner, or heat
pump stays off,
the more money you save. (Source: U.
S. Department of Energy)
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