programmable thermostat?

**sermon527** · 09-01-2009, 10:06 AM

dh and i are considering getting a programmable thermostat for the upcoming winter. is it worth it? also.. we are renters.. so as long as we save the old one is it something we can take off and use somewhere else if we decide not to renew our lease?

Thanks!

**Greebo** · 09-01-2009, 10:40 AM

Most programmable thermostats are compatible with most if not all furnace/ac models, and yes, having the furnace not running when you're not home can be a huge money saver.

**savvy_sniper** · 09-01-2009, 11:04 AM

If it's just the two of you and you have relatively regular schedules, there isn't really a need for a programmable thermostat. It is just me and hubby and he doesn't care what the temp is, he can and will deal with it. In the summer when I get up in the morning, I turn the thermostat up to 80 and it stays there until I go to bed and I turn it down to 78.

In the winter, the central heat is not turned on much at all. We have a couple of small ceramic heaters. One in the master bath and is turned on when either of us showers and turned off after we are dressed. The other is in my office and it turned on if and when I feel it is necessary. If and when the central heat is turned on, the thermostat is set around 63 - just to keep the major chill out of the air.

Growing up, my parents fought over the thermostat. Dad was warm natured and mom was cold natured. In the summer dad would turn the thermostat down, mom would turn it up, and back and forth. If that is the case at your house, then the two of you will need to come to a happy medium and a programmable thermostat might be the way to go.

Space heaters, electric blankets, sweaters, warm socks, jammies, and slippers are great for the cold natured person in the house. Also, getting the warm natured person to dress cooler is helpful.

**Grainlady** · 09-01-2009, 11:34 AM

I'm the "programable thermostat" at our home (LOL). Since I'm home throughout the day it's not worth the expense to purchase one. We talked to the heating/air technician about it years ago, and he said it wouldn't save us because I'm more efficient because I know the actual conditions and can (and do) adjust accordingly. I just have to be responsible enough to take-on the task.

If you can't remember to adjust your thermostat yourself, then it could help to save you some money.

Here's an inexpensive project you can do if you rent (or own), for additional R-Value on your windows to help with energy use. Add bubble wrap to your windows for added insulation: http://www.builditsolar.com/Projects...bubblewrap.htm

**KeithBC** · 09-01-2009, 11:38 AM

If you remember to adjust the thermostat yourself every morning and evening, then you could do without one. The big advantage is that, on a cold morning, the heat comes on before you get out of bed.

**Contrary Housewife** · 09-01-2009, 11:52 AM

They are cheap and easy to install, they just screw in. Also easy to take out when you leave. A basic model is about $20 and you may be able to find one on sale.

We have one that handles 7 days of settings, so I can have the house warmer during the week and cooler on weekends when DH is home (He is used to office temperatures... chilly). And as KeithBC says, in the winter you can set it to turn the heat on before you get out of bed. In the summer we set ours to cool in the evenings before we go to bed.

Even a basic model will let you change temperatures several times, so you can warm up the house in the morning, have it shut down when you leave for work, and then warm up for you when you get home, etc. And you can always override the setting manually.

DH and I didn't exactly fight over the AC, but one of us was always adjusting it, or forgetting to (and I hate having to get out of bed at night if it is too warm or too cold) so with the programmable we can just set it and forget it.

**shoiji** · 09-01-2009, 03:58 PM

I have one. Got it for around $30. Was really easy to install. I like knowing I don't need to worry about what the thermostat is set on. Especially when you are not home.

**fixer** · 09-01-2009, 04:28 PM

I have a programmable thermostat in my house and have installed many for other people. I will disagree and say they sometimes can be difficult to install. Control wiring on HVAC systems can be confusing, at least to me. It depends on the brand of the furnace and how it was installed. I once put one in where all of the wires were brown and nothing was labeled. I had to go into the crawlspace and identify the wiring at the source. If it is a newer thermostat, the new one may just attach to the sub-base.

**Greebo** · 09-01-2009, 04:32 PM

It IS very important when removing the old thermostat to mark the wires as you remove them, or you can be in for a world of confusion.

**lisaflex** · 09-01-2009, 07:55 PM

you can usually get a free one from the elec/gas company that they come and install

**Greebo** · 09-01-2009, 08:28 PM

OOH good point - around here BGE is all about putting their own thermostats in.

**Palooka** · 09-01-2009, 11:41 PM

We got ours for free and installed from our heating/cooling friend.

I really like it.

**frugalfranny** · 09-02-2009, 02:30 AM

Originally Posted by sermon527

we are renters.. so as long as we save the old one is it something we can take off and use somewhere else if we decide not to renew our lease?

You might want to check the lease and make sure you can make changes without breaking it. Most leases state 'no alterations' of any kind.

I don't have one and wouldn't want one. I remember to adjust mine and would always be changing the other when I leave or return home but I am home most days. For people that are working they could be very handy. If you remember to turn the heat down when you leave then they won't save you any money......but if you are the type that forgets.......then they help.

**kaurand554** · 09-02-2009, 04:31 AM

LOL....

Hubby in Heating and A/C swore that when you turn down the thermostat when you weren't home; when it kicked back on it had to heat/cool the house again? Which costs more....

We do not have multi zoned house (one thermostat for whole house) when thermostat reaches temp it heats or cools!

Just figure he was cold in the winter, and hot in the summer from his work.....

**Greebo** · 09-02-2009, 06:06 AM

Originally Posted by kaurand554

LOL....

Hubby in Heating and A/C swore that when you turn down the thermostat when you weren't home; when it kicked back on it had to heat/cool the house again? Which costs more....

That's like the idea out there that you should leave your lights on all the time, cause turning them on costs more than leaving them run. It sounds good - but it isn't true. Also, hot water does not freeze faster than cold water..

What your hubby is forgetting is that there is a maintenance cost to keep the house warm or cold constantly.