thermostats and energy savings
In cold climates, and wherever heating and cooling costs are high, a programmable thermostat is the easiest way to save energy and money.
Consumer Energy Council of America studies show that a good programmable thermostat may provide energy savings around 15%-20% of the heating/cooling costs. According to CECA, only insulation (ceiling, ducts, walls, efficient windows and doors...) provides higher energy savings.
Programmable vs. non-programmable thermostats
In theory, you can get the same energy savings using either a programmable thermostat or a non-programmable thermostat. It's just a question of adjusting the non-programmable thermostat by hand.
But studies show something rather different. You will forget to change the thermostat settings more times than you think, and you will not be able to set the right temperatures in crucial times (before you wake up or when out of home). In other words: programmable thermostats provide higher energy savings.Â
See:
Manual thermostats
Programming thermostats
Programmable thermostats and built-in settings.
Shopping
Most thermostats are digital or electromechanical, or a mixture of electromechanical and digital. Digital thermostats are more flexible, while electromechanical ones are simpler.
See, on this issue:
Buying a thermostat
Manual thermostats,
Programmable thermostat features
Thermostat settings
Most programmable thermostats have at least two types of programs: one for weekdays and the periods when you are at home and away from it; and a second program for the weekend period.
See, for more information:
Built-in programmable thermostat settings
Programming thermostats
Thermostats and Zoning
When different rooms require different temperatures, a single thermostat is insufficient. Zoning is crucial for energy savings, namely in large homes.
See: Thermostats and heating and cooling zones
Thermostats and the Heating and Cooling System
Common programmable thermostats are incompatible with heat pumps, radiant heating and other electric heating…
See:
Thermostats location and installation
Heat Pumps, Radiant Heating and Thermostats
Furnaces and Air Conditioners & Thermostats
Thermostats, Manufacturers, Warranties
Thermostat manufacturers and Warranties
Honeywell is the world's leader, but there are hundreds of thermostat manufacturers.