Should I invest in a programmable thermostat?

Women adjusting thermostat

One of the quickest and simplest ways to reduce energy costs is to use a programmable thermostat.  There are many varieties of thermostats available today with a host of features, but the one that provides the bulk of the energy savings is the programmable feature.  This allows you to dial back the heating and cooling automatically for times when you know you will not need it – while you are at work, away from home, etc.  There are more advanced models that can regulate the cooling based on other factors like humidity and changes in outdoor ambient temperatures which can improve comfort as well as energy savings without you having to lift a finger.  You might actually have a programmable thermostat now and not know it. Our research has shown that a surprising percentage of people actually own these programmable thermostats but don’t use the programmable feature.   So check your thermostat and if you decide to buy one of the programmable models be sure to use it and see the savings add up!

Share
print

Was this helpful?

Vote This Post Up 64Loading...

36 thoughts on “Should I invest in a programmable thermostat?

  1. i have an automag thermostate with only 3 wires coming out of the wall( white red green ) how do i connect them up to the honeywell programmable thermostate RTHL221B?

    • Most of those wiring instructions for all brands can be found on line by searching with the model number of the thermosat. If you still have problems you might want to contact an HVAC contractor.

  2. I’ve replaced an old thermostate with a LUX TX9600TSa on a Trane XR90 fufnace. Rewiring the thrmostat was a guess because I couldn’t tell what kind of Phased/heat Pump furnace it is–well the fan runs constantly, no matter what setting you turn the thermostat to–what to do?

    • The wires appear to be mixed up. We suggest you check the website of the manufacturer of either the thermostat or the system, or both to determine the proper wiring. You will need the model numbers of both. If you still have problems contact an HVAC contractor to help.

  3. I have a ROBERTSHAW thermostat and the auxiliary light is on and the furnace keeps running what is going on—-plus I don’t have any instructions with it because I recently purchased this house.

  4. I set therm at 74 for about three hours all is well then Therm resets itself to 68 and temp drops to 68

    I reset it to 74 and the same thing happens again

    I put in new batteries and it does not correct the problem !

    • Glen – If you are using a programmable thermostat it sounds like you might be temporarily overriding the setting. Temp hold is usually 4 hours and 68 is a common energy star heat setting. If you are having trouble programming it you might check with the manufacturer. Those instructions are usually on their web site.

    • Here are a few suggestions of things you might try. First try checking the batteries (if battery powered) or the power connection (transformer powered). If power is not the problem, check to see if there is a re-set button and try to reset it – there should be a user manual on line or you can call the manufacturer for instructions. If none of that works it might just be that the display screen failed and if so, you might want to consider buying a replacement.

  5. I appreciated the toll free no for White Rogers thermostat. I never got a manual when the people installed it and I’m tired of asking others to do it for me

  6. I don’t know what to set the thermostat on we have a Emerson Digital Thermostat 1H 1C, HP Nonprogram

  7. The wires to my current thermostat are shorted out. Is there a wireless thermostat I can use to solve this situation? I need to control bOth heat and AC
    What would you recccommend that
    i pourchase?

Let us know your thoughts

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *