Programmable Thermostat Advantages

The initial cost of a programmable thermostat varies from $30 to up to $250 or more based on the desired features. Those designed for heat pumps are slightly more expensive because of the need for two stage heating. Because of the energy saving benefits, some utility companies or government agencies in specific areas may even offer incentives or rebates for installing programmable thermostats. While some thermostats can approach $300, the money saved over a year or two’s time of usage can offset the initial cost.

Space heating and cooling accounts for more than forty percent of the average home’s energy use. A huge amount of this energy is often used to maintain interior temperatures within the comfort zone even when the home is unoccupied or when inhabitants are asleep. However, less heating and cooling is actually needed during these times.

By allowing the occupant to program a specific schedule, the programmable thermostats turn off the HVAC (heating/ventilating/and air-conditioning) systems when they are not needed. This way, the home is only conditioned when it needs to be and the energy consumption of the home is reduced.

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With a programmable thermostat, your heating and cooling systems will operate less frequently, consume less energy and create lower utility bills. The average home owner spends over $600 per year on space heating and cooling. Programmable thermostats can reduce this amount by 5 percent to 12 percent.

Another advantage to programmable thermostats is having the ability to program ventilation into the thermostat’s settings to provide fresh air to the house at appropriate times. Fresh air is beneficial to the health and well being of the whole family, and with programmable thermostats, you won’t have to worry about the air quality in your home.

Certain features of the programmable thermostat are specific to the manufacturer and model. Some beneficial bonus features include, a vacation override (a feature that permits an override for the programmed settings) and a keyboard lock that prevents unauthorized changes to the already programmed settings.

Some programmable thermostats can keep track of how long the HVAC system has been running over a selected time period. These units save energy by offering 4 convenient, pre-programmed temperature settings — settings that try to anticipate when it's convenient for you to scale back on heating or cooling. Regardless of brand, even the most basic programmable thermostat will be a benefit to any home.

Part 1: Benefits of Programmable Thermostats

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