Enhancing Home Comfort and Savings with Automatic Programmable Thermostats
In our modern, high-tech society, we don’t think much about some of the electronic gadgets in our homes. For example, the ever-present thermostat has been a staple of American households for decades. It usually takes the shape of an unassuming box on the wall, but that modest device controls your family’s comfort on the coldest day in January and the hottest day in July.
What Is a Thermostat?
A thermostat is a temperature-sensitive switch that controls a space conditioning unit or system, such as a furnace, air conditioner, or both. When the indoor temperature drops below or rises above the thermostat setting, the switch moves to the “on” position, and your furnace or air conditioner runs to warm or cool the house air to the setting you selected for your family’s comfort. In its simplest form, a thermostat must be manually adjusted to change the indoor air temperature.
General Thermostat Operation
Save energy by setting your thermostat to 68°F (20°C) in winter while at home and lowering it when asleep or away. In summer, keep your home warmer when away and set the thermostat to 78°F (26°C) when needed. Contrary to common misconceptions, a furnace does not work harder to reheat a space after a setback; you save fuel when the temperature is lower. Manual adjustments can be inconvenient, but automatic thermostats can simplify the process. Reducing the temperature by 10-15°F for 8 hours can save 5-15% annually on heating bills.
Benefits of Automatic Thermostats
Using an automatic or programmable thermostat can enhance these savings by adjusting the temperature for you, ensuring optimal energy use without manual effort. These thermostats allow for multiple daily settings and can automatically lower or raise temperatures based on your schedule. This not only maximizes energy efficiency but also maintains comfort by pre-warming or cooling your home before you wake up or return. Investing in a programmable thermostat can pay for itself through energy savings and increased convenience.
Automatic and Programmable Thermostats
You can install an automatic setback or programmable thermostat to maximize your energy savings without sacrificing comfort. These devices adjust the temperature setting for you. While you might need to remember to turn down the heat before you leave for work in the morning, a programmable thermostat won’t! By maintaining the highest or lowest required temperatures for four or five hours a day instead of 24 hours, a programmable thermostat can pay for itself in energy saved within four years.
When choosing a programmable thermostat, consider its precision and ease of use. Ensure the instructions are clear and accessible, as some are printed on the device. Most programmable thermostats replace existing units and are preferred for their convenience. Battery-operated models are easy to program and maintain accurate time during power outages. Before purchasing, chart your weekly schedule to select a thermostat that best matches your needs. This ensures optimal comfort and energy efficiency tailored to your lifestyle.
A Note for Heat Pump Owners
When a heat pump is in its heating mode, setting back a conventional heat pump thermostat can cause the unit to operate inefficiently, thereby canceling out any savings achieved by lowering the temperature setting. Maintaining a moderate setting is the most cost-effective practice. Recently, however, some companies have begun selling specially designed setback thermostats for heat pumps, which makes setting back the thermostat cost-effective. In its cooling mode, the heat pump operates like an air conditioner; manually turning up the thermostat will save you money.
Comparison of Thermostat Types |
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| Type | Features | Best For | Cost Range |
| Electromechanical | Manual controls, simple operation | Regular schedules | $30-100 |
| Digital | LED/LCD readout, precise control, custom scheduling | For most systems, precise control needs | $50-150 |
| Hybrid | Digital controls with manual slides/knobs | Simplified use with flexibility | $40-120 |
| Occupancy | Setback based on presence, simple operation | Long unoccupied periods | $80-200 |
| Light Sensing | Adjusts based on lighting levels | Stores and offices | $150-300 |
Other Considerations
The location of your thermostat can significantly impact its performance and efficiency. To avoid “ghost readings” or unnecessary system cycling, follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions and place the thermostat away from direct sunlight, drafts, doorways, skylights, and windows. Ensure it’s conveniently located for easy programming. Some modern systems, like heat pumps and electric resistance heating, require special thermostats with unique algorithms and the ability to control high-voltage circuits. Only a few companies produce these specialized line-voltage setback thermostats.
Conclusion
Automatic programmable thermostats offer significant energy savings, convenience, and comfort benefits. By choosing the right thermostat for your needs and using it effectively, you can substantially reduce your heating and cooling bills while maintaining a comfortable home environment. These devices provide precise control over your home’s temperature, adjusting settings based on your schedule and preferences, eliminating the need for manual adjustments, and ensuring optimal energy use.
Source List
- The Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Clearinghouse (EREC) P.O. Box 3048 Merrifield, VA 22116 (800) 363-3732 Fax: (703) 893-0400 Email: doe.erec@nciinc.com
- EREC provides the public free general and technical information on the many topics and technologies pertaining to energy efficiency and renewable energy.
Reading List
- “Electronic Thermostats,” Radio-Electronics, June 1992.
- “Energy Saving Thermostats,” Consumer Reports, October 1993.” “Good News on the ‘Setback’ Front,” T. Wilson, Home Energy, Jan-Feb 1991. 2124 Kittredge Street, No. 95, Berkeley, CA 94704, (510) 524-5405. “Home Environment,” Home Mechanix, February 1992.
- “Home Q&A,” Home Mechanix, November 1995.
- “The Latest in Home Thermostats,” Consumers’ Research Magazine, February 1990.
- “New Electronic Thermostats Save Money,” Consumers Digest, January 1989.
- “Programmable Thermostats: How to Buy and Install One in Your Home,” Family Handyman, January 1989.
- “Smart Thermostats for Comfort and Conservation,” March 1994, EPRI Journal.
This document was produced from material from the Information Services Program under the DOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. The Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Clearinghouse (EREC) is operated by NCI Information Systems, Inc., for NREL/DOE. The statements contained herein are based on information known to EREC and NREL at the time of printing. No recommendation or endorsement of any product or service is implied if mentioned by EREC.