Programmable Thermostat Guidelines

  • Keep temperature set at its energy saving set-points for long periods of time (at least 8 hours), for example, during the day when household is unoccupied and through the night, after bedtime.

  • All thermostats allow temporary adjustment to make an area warmer or cooler, without erasing the pre-set programming.  The override is canceled automatically at the next program period.

  • Units typically have 2 types of hold features: (a) hold / permanent / vacation; (b) temporary.  Avoid using the (a) feature to manage day to day temperature settings.  "Hold" or "vacation" features are best used when household is away for an extended period.  Set this feature at a constant, efficient temperature (i.e. several degrees warmer temperature in summer, several degrees cooler during winter), when going away for the weekend or on vacation.  Energy and money is wasted if the "hold" feature is left at the comfort setting while away.

  • Cranking a unit up to 90 degrees or down to 40 degrees will not heat or cool a house any faster.  Most thermostats, including ENERGY STAR qualified units, begin to heat or cool at a set time to reach set-point temperatures.  Units with adaptive (smart / intelligent) recovery features are an exception to the rule.  Adaptive recovery units constantly calculate the amount of time required to heat or cool the house.  By "examining" the performance of the past few days the thermostat can keep track of the seasons. The household will remain at the same comfort level when occupied and save the most energy when its not.

  • If a household has multiple heating or cooling zones, a programmed setback thermostat for each zone is needed to maximize comfort, convenience and energy savings throughout the household.

  • If a programmable thermostat runs on batteries, don't forget to change the batteries each year.  Some units will indicate when batteries must be changed.


Through proper use of a programmable thermostat (using 4 pre-programmed settings) savings are estimated at $180 every year in energy costs.  The $180 savings assumes a typical, single-family home with a 10 hour daytime setback of 8ºF in winter and a setup of 4ºF in summer.
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Community Development
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Lindsborg, KS   67456
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