Programmable Thermostat Features

Programmable thermostats turn your heater and air conditioning on and off automatically.

Programmable thermostats let you set certain times each day for your heat and/or air conditioning to turn on and off. A programmable thermostat also senses the temperature of the room and turns on the device--fan, heating or cooling unit--according to your settings. Programmable thermostats are convenient and save energy, which reduces your utility bill. They are readily available at hardware and home improvement stores. Does this Spark an idea?

Digital Components

Programmable thermostats contain long-lasting digital displays and components that relay temperature and time information. They include a touch pad for programming and a back light that lets you see the display clearly even at night. Digital components are more accurate than manual temperature dials and mechanisms.

Multiple Schedules

Programmable thermostats come in a variety of models, offering different scheduling options; many allow multiple temperature settings per day. Seven-day models let you program unique settings for each day of the week. Five plus two-day models offer the ability to program different temperature settings for each weekday, as well as different settings for Saturday and Sunday. Basic programmable thermostats let you set a fixed temperature for all weekdays, with a different setting that applies both Saturday and Sunday. If desired, the set temperature can be temporarily overridden without affecting the programming.

Multiple Programming Methods

Some programmable thermostats allow you to program settings not just by touch pad, but also using a telephone, the Internet or by speaking into a microphone on the device. This feature is handy if you need to make adjustments to your home's temperature while you are away, or to turn the system on or off without using the keypad.

Indicators

Some programmable thermostats include indicators that alert you when it is time to change your ventilation system's air filters and when the system is not working correctly. A warning message appears on the thermostat's display.

Vacation Settings

Another feature available on some programmable thermostats is the vacation setting. It allows you to enter temperature settings for your home while you're away, plus starting and ending dates. The vacation setting overrides your usual settings, but returns to the regular settings once your vacation end date is reached.

Time/Temperature Sensors

Certain programmable thermostat models sense the amount of time it takes for your heating or cooling system to reach a set temperature. The information is presented on the thermostat's display. This feature is handy when making adjustments to your thermostat and you want to know if the new setting is ideal.

References

• Energy Star: Which Programmable Thermostat is Best for Me?
• Air Conditioning and Heating: All About Electronic Programmable Thermostats

Resources

• Toolbase: Programmable Thermostats