All you need to know about a programmable thermostat

A programmable thermostat keeps your home at a comfortable temperature according to a schedule that you set. Unlike non programmable basic thermostat, you don’t have to remember to set the temperature for day and night everyday. Programmable thermostat, also known as clock or setback thermostats, can help you in saving energy consumption and reducing your heating and cooling bill if used properly. Let’s take a look at the features and advantages of a programmable thermostat. Then we will also give you an idea of which type of thermostat to choose based on your schedule.

As mentioned earlier, correct usage of a programmable thermostat will definitely save energy. Keeping your house at a comfortable temperature even in your absence or during the night can be difficult. A programmable thermostat will help you to adjust the temperature according to a series of programmed settings at different times of the day.

WHY USE A PROGRAMMABLE THERMOSTAT?

You do not have to remember to set the temperature :

A programmable thermostat can help you maintain an optimal temperature throughout the day.

Accuracy:

Programmable thermostats are more accurate than a non programmable thermostat.

Different options for scheduling:

There are 3 types of programmable thermostat according to your schedule. We will discuss these types later in this article.

Digital, backlit display: 

This allows you to see the number on the display very clearly and you don’t have to switch on the lights to program the thermostat.

Touchpad screen programming: 

Programmable thermostat has a touch screen to help you program rather than buttons.

Voice or phone programming: 

Some programmable thermostats allow you to program over phone or remotely.

Indicators:

Some programmable thermostats offer a filter change indicator light to let you know when it is time to clean your air filter.

Adaptive recovery:

This is an advanced feature and one of the most useful one. Programmable thermostats with this feature would try to understand how long will it take to reach the desired temperature you have set and run the AC or heating unit accordingly.

TYPES OF PROGRAMMABLE THERMOSTATS:

1. 7-day model

If you have an inconsistent schedule or you are not available on certain times of the day, then you can go for the 7-day model. This type of thermostat lets you set or choose between 4 different temperature settings provided throughout the day/night. Here is a 7-day model provided by Honeywell.

2. 5-1-1 model

This type of thermostat can be used if you have a consistent schedule for weekdays and another schedule on Saturdays and Sundays. This is a 5-1-1 model.

3. 5+2 model

You can set one schedule for weekdays and another one scheduled for the weekend. A 5+2 model from Honeywell.

4. Smart thermostat

These are similar to programmable thermostats except that these provide additional features like sensors and WiFi connectivity which ultimately covers up the issues of a programmable thermostat. Smart thermostat, Honeywell

5. Wireless thermostat

These are smart thermostats with a wireless internet connection. You can connect your thermostat with a smartphone or a computer and it allows you to program the thermostat even when you are away from home. Wireless thermostat, Honeywell.