Thermostats
Learn about Home Thermostats
Getting started
Programmable thermostats can help save energy by automatically raising or lowering temperatures at night and when you're away. But confusing controls on some can make it easy to burn more energy than you bargained for.
Manufacturers have taken steps to make programmable thermostats less daunting. Today's top thermostats have built-in energy-saving programs that are designed to cut heating and cooling costs by up to 20 percent, eliminating the need to create programs from scratch. But you'll still have to set the time, date, and the system they'll control. Odds are you'll also want to tailor those programs to your schedule.
Before you buy, by making sure any programmable thermostat you're considering works with your heating or cooling system. Also decide how many programs you need. Then keep these tips in mind when shopping:
Also try the device it. Along with large screens and friendly controls, look for easy-to-follow instructions and controls with arrows and other clear prompts, rather than unmarked buttons and mysterious symbols. Some models include simple programming steps on a flip-down cover.
Most models attach to your heating or cooling system with as few as two low-voltage wires, making do-it-yourself installation relatively easy. Just be sure to check which wire goes where before removing your old thermostat. Learn how to install a programmable thermostat.
Types
Major brands include CTC, Honeywell, Hunter, Lennox, Lux, Rite Temp, Robert Shaw, Trane, and White Rodgers, among others. You'll find two basic types:
Weekday/weekend models
These thermostats supply one energy-saving schedule for weekdays and one or two for weekends. While they limit the choices for those with varying schedules, they also reduce complexity. Price: about $50 to $150.
Seven-day models
These let you program a different energy-saving schedule for every day of the week. Price: about $50 to $200 or more.
Features
Adjustable cycle | Auto changeover switch | Clear onscreen prompts and intuitive controls | Filter-change reminder | Full memory save |
The features on programmable thermostats vary from model to model. We've identified some that make it easier to program the thermostat, keep you comfortable, and allow you to maximize your energy savings.
Adjustable cycle
An adjustable cycle on most models lets you prevent frequent on-off cycling for heating and cooling systems, while advanced recovery initiates heating or cooling anytime during the energy-saving period so the comfort temperature is where you want it when you get home.
Auto changeover switch
Models with an auto changeover switch automatically between heating and cooling, handy where days are warm and nights get below freezing.
Clear onscreen prompts and intuitive controls
These help you avoid energy-wasting mistakes, as do large readouts for temperatures and times, and a bold "hold" prompt or light that reminds you when you're overriding the energy-saving mode for added comfort.
A large backlighted display makes reading and programming easier in dark hallways and at night, while a clear system-status display shows whether the heat or A/C is activated.
More models are moving to touch screens that offer touch-sensitive menus and replace buttons or knobs.
Filter-change reminder
This convenient feature tells you when the furnace or A/C filter needs changing based on elapsed time.
Full memory save
A full memory save lets the thermometer save programs you create after a blackout. Most thermostats can handle most heat pumps, and a few can handle multistage versions.
Internet Connected
Trane's XL950 ComfortLinkTM II controller builds on Trane’s legacy of innovation, it is the newest addition to our outstanding line of programmable thermostats. Full of industry-leading exclusive features, the XL950 is a technological and design showpiece.
Real-time weather -- connected to a home network, the XL950 thermostat can display real-time temperature data, local weather forecasts, radar images and weather alerts.
Air quality management -- exclusive Quick Clean and Allergy Clean cycles bring new levels of control to indoor air quality, enabling you to maximize your air purification system for a few hours or a whole day.
Sophisticated zoning set up and control – Step by step on screen guidance makes installing, monitoring and updating multiple zones quick and easy.
One time and recurring event scheduling -- with an easy-to-use guided interface, homeowners can create custom heating and cooling schedules to use less energy when the home is vacant.