electronic thermostats and settings

The best programmed thermostats present some built-in settings able to help homeowners to get higher energy savings. But you aren’t compelled to stick to them.

Seven-day models

For people whose daily schedules are subject to regular changes, seven-day thermostat models are the best choice. These thermostats let you set different programs for each day. Most of them present 4 possible temperature settings per day.

5-2 and 5-1-1 programmed thermostat models

5-2-day electronic thermostats use rather standard schedules: the same schedule for every weekday, and another for Saturday and Monday.

5-1-1 programmed thermostats are equivalent to the previous models except for weekends: they present a different schedule on Saturdays and Sundays.

Manufacturers usually offer simplified instructions, or toll-free customer assistance services to help you on these issues.

Electronic thermostat settings

The table below shows the typical settings for Energy-Star qualified programmable thermostats.

Thermostat Settings: Temperatures & Times
Setting	Time	Setpoint Temperature (Heat)	Setpoint Temperature (Cool)
Wake	6:00 a.m.	≤ 70° F (21ºC)	≥ 78° F (25ºC)
Daytime	8:00 a.m.	Setback at least 8° F (4ºC)	Setup at least 7° F (4ºC)
Evening	6:00 p.m.	≤ 70° F (21ºC)	≥ 78° F (21ºC)
Sleep	10:00 p.m.	Setback at least 8°F (4ºC)	Setup at least 4°F (2ºC)

Overriding built-in settings

You aren’t compelled to stick to your electronic thermostat built-in settings. You can always change them. Whenever your schedule changes, you may override the programs.

And you may manually turn the programmable thermostat off, whenever you want, namely in vacation periods…