Programmable Thermostats

[stroke]

So I just got a power bill that rocked my world! Thinking about getting a programmable thermostat, any suggestions?

 

[theribdoctor]

Whatevers available that fits.

 

[Jwrussell]

I don't know what kind I have, but I just picked one up at Home Depot. They had probably 5-6 to choose from. If I were looking for one now, I would probably look for one of the new ones that can be controlled over the internet (I think Schlage is the commercial I'm thinking of). Of course I have no idea how much those cost! LOL.

I don't remember the one I got being terribly expensive. It's a touchscreen and it allows you to program a full 7 day week. 4 time periods per day (Morning, afternoon, evening and night I believe) and you can set when each time period starts. It has a bunch of other features that I never use as well. I'll try to remember to check the manufacturer when I get home and post it here.

The only thing I'll note is that you want to be sure to mark down a reminder to change the battery regularly. I came home the other day to find the house ridiculously cold (at least compared to where I usually keep the temp so as to keep the electricity bill down). Turned out that the battery was going and the stupid thing had reverted to some default setting. Replaced the battery and all was good.

 

[earnold25]

It really depends on your hvac setup. Do you have an idea of what you have? Heat Pump? Age? etc.

 

[stroke]

I have a Trane probably 3-5 yrs old... That's all I know.

 

[earnold25]

big thing to know is if this is a heat pump or not. thats a big difference in buying thermostats to start (about 8 wires vs 3 or so)

 

[stroke]

I'm pretty sure it's not a heat pump, it's an electric/gas central air.

 

[earnold25]

still could be a heat pump, but probably not if you have gas. do you know if you have a variable speed fan?

 

[stroke]

if it is, I haven't noticed. Would it be controlled by our thermostat? If so, my thermostat doesn't have that kind of option. If it is automatic, it's only on or off, no variation.

 

[earnold25]

then one of the "standard" programmable thermostats (from HD or Lowe's) should be good enough for your application. just depends on how many bells and whistles you want. i like the 7 day programmables personally.

 

[mcroom]

I just looked at ours to see what brand it is; Honeywell energy-star. It is a 7 day 4 time periods per day that I have set up to adjust the temp when we leave for work, 1 hour before we get home, when we got to bed and when we normally get up everyday. The good thing is that if you need to temporarily adjust; it is easy, up or down and change is for three hours; then it goes back to schedule. Needs no batteries as it is powered from transformer of HVAC system. reminds you to change filters every month and SAVES YOU MONEY! I spent it on a Vinotemp to keep the sticks @65* and 65%.

 

[Jwrussell]

Just checked the brand: RiteTemp. Pretty much exactly what Mcroom describes above, with a battery.

 

[rduke10]

I just looked at ours to see what brand it is; Honeywell energy-star. It is a 7 day 4 time periods per day that I have set up to adjust the temp when we leave for work, 1 hour before we get home, when we got to bed and when we normally get up everyday. The good thing is that if you need to temporarily adjust; it is easy, up or down and change is for three hours; then it goes back to schedule. Needs no batteries as it is powered from transformer of HVAC system. reminds you to change filters every month and SAVES YOU MONEY! I spent it on a Vinotemp to keep the sticks @65* and 65%.

I have one like his. I love it and it pays for itself quickly. I installed mine so if I can do it I know you can.

 

[5280Duc]

x3 on the Honeywell. Easy to install and program.

 

[stroke]

I have one like his. I love it and it pays for itself quickly. I installed mine so if I can do it I know you can.

lol is that supposed to be a compliment? okemyeye


So, it looks like Honeywell it shall be! Now I gotta find a deal!