Here on our blog, we often talk about the energy-saving benefits of programmable thermostats. If you currently have a manual thermostat installed in your home and you’re interested in upgrading to a programmable model, you might be wondering if there’s anything you should know about before making the transition. Today we’re going to help you through that process by providing some helpful tips about switching from a manual to a programmable thermostat!
Switching from a manual to a programmable thermostat: Choosing the right model
The first step toward successfully switching from a manual to a programmable thermostat is choosing the right model for a programmable thermostat. Here are a few things to think about:
- Find a thermostat with the right customization settings. , Unlike manual thermostats, programmable thermostats allow you to program different temperature settings for different times of the day. Beyond that, you can also use different daily settings for different days of the week, depending on the model you choose. A 7-day programmable thermostat, for instance, allows you to use different settings for every day of the week. A 5-2 day programmable thermostat, on the other hand, allows you to use one set of settings during the week and another set of settings for the weekend. Choose a thermostat with the customization settings that suit your needs and schedule.
- Make sure the thermostat is compatible with your system. As is the case when installing any new thermostat, you must verify that the programmable thermostat you choose is compatible with your specific furnace and air conditioner.
- Consider advanced features. In addition to the standard energy-saving features of a programmable thermostat, many programmable models have advanced features like touch screen displays, backlights, alerts and reminders, adaptive recovery settings, WiFi-control capabilities, and more. Read this post to see why we recommend the Sensi WiFi thermostat from White Rodgers, which includes many great advanced features.
Switching from a manual to a programmable thermostat: The installation process
Installing a programmable thermostat can be a bit more complicated than installing a manual thermostat, especially if it has controls for furnace accessories like a whole house humidifier. If you want to ensure the installation is done right, contact Jerry Kelly Heating & Air Conditioning and we’ll take care of it for you!
Switching from a manual to a programmable thermostat: Setting up your new thermostat
After choosing and installing a programmable thermostat, it’s time to pick your programmable settings. When you’re thinking about what settings to use, consider the times of day that your family is typically away from home for 4 hours or more (often during school and work hours). Set your thermostat back about 5 degrees to save energy during those times. Although this will require a bit of thought and work up-front, your temperature settings will begin to run on autopilot after you initialize your thermostat. Consult your owner’s manual for instructions on how to set your particular model.
When you’re picking a time for your thermostat to revert to your normal at-home temperature, allow for some buffer time so that your furnace or air conditioner will have your home ready at a comfortable temperature as soon as you walk through the door. This is done automatically if your thermostat has adaptive recovery settings.
If you have any questions about switching from a manual to a programmable thermostat, or if you’d like a heating system serviced or installed in your home, contact Jerry Kelly Heating & Air Conditioning, your St. Louis furnace installation and repair contractor. We service the St. Louis area, including towns like Maryland Heights, O’Fallon, and St. Charles, MO.
photo credit: Adam Melancon via photopin cc
