You don't see anything. Wave hands!
HVAC
By Tom Moor
Oops! Looks like this image is too cool for alt text!
Posted 8/1/23

Recently, we’ve received several questions about programmable thermostats from the HVAC.com community. This installment of HVAC Q&A will address Lucas from Florida’s question. He writes:

“Dear HVAC.com team,

I’m a new homeowner and I’m trying to find a way to lower my energy bills. I’ve heard a programmable thermostat can help, but what exactly is a programmable thermostat? What should I look for if I want to buy a programmable thermostat?”


Luckily for Lucas, we love programmable thermostats at HVAC.com, so we can definitely help.

What Is A Programmable Thermostat?

A programmable thermostat is a thermostat designed to automatically adjust the temperature in your home based on programmed settings. Programmable thermostats allow you to set a schedule for your units, delivering heating and cooling only when you need it and saving you hundreds of dollars over the life of your system.

At its most basic, a programmable thermostat lets you set an operating schedule for your HVAC system, avoiding wasted energy on heating or cooling your home when you aren’t there.

Programmable electronic thermostat

How To Choose The Right Programmable Thermostat For Your Home

When you choose a programmable thermostat, the most important thing to consider is the kind of schedule you keep. How often are you away from home? Are you gone at the same time everyday, or does your schedule change?

Programmable thermostats come three different models — 7-day, 5+2 day, or 5-1-1 day — that reflect the different types of schedules each programmable thermostat will allow for. Consider the type of schedule you and your family keep and how much scheduling flexibility you need before choosing the right programmable thermostat for your home.

Features We Recommend Having

Programmable thermostat features range from the simple to the high tech, so how do you know which ones are best for your home? Here are some of the main features to consider when choosing a programmable thermostat for your home: