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Safari Thatch and BambooWynand OdendaalPO Box 91286 Austin, TX 78709 (512) 448-2000 (512) 448-2319 fax |
A programmable thermostat senses the room temperature and controls the HVAC system according to a schedule established by the homeowner. This type of thermostat allows different temperature settings to automatically regulate the HVAC system at different preset times.
Other conserving thermostats include electromechanical thermostats with setbacks and occupancy thermostats. The electromechanical types are lower cost and use bimetallic strips associated with a vial of mercury to make or break an electric current to operate the HVAC equipment. An occupancy thermostat maintains an energy conserving temperature until someone enters a room and presses a button to increase the temperature for a short period of time.
Programmable thermostats can require some effort to learn and master them. Several programmable units can accommodate different settings for every day of the week.
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Programmable Thermostat | ![]() |
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Satisfactory |
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Satisfactory in most conditions |
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Satisfactory in Limited Conditions |
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Unsatisfactory or Difficult |
Well developed.
Plentiful.
Range from $30 to $200.
Available.
People may be intimidated by programmable thermostats and hesitate to use them to their advantage. The buyer should choose one that's easy to operate and ask for a demonstration from the supplier, instead of relying solely on an instruction manual.
Thermostats must be wired according to electrical code requirements. Most thermostats are low voltage devices. However, electric heat systems generally require "line voltage" thermostats.
Honeywell, Inc.
1985 Douglas Dr.
Golden Valley, MN 55422
(800) 328-5111
Hunter Fan Co. (AutoTemp(TM) Heat Pump)
2500 Frisco Ave.
Memphis, TN 38114
(901) 743-1360
Johnson Controls, Controls Products Division
P. O. Box 423
Milwaukee, WI 53201
(414) 274-4000
American Stabilis
P. O. Box 2017
Lewiston, ME 04241
(207) 784-9389
Comfort Module Thermostats
PO Box 201057
Austin, TX 78720
(512) 338-4550
microprossor controlled t-stats
Maple Chase
2820 Thatcher Rd.
Downer's Grove, IL 60515
(800) 445-8299
Lux Products
4440 Sigma Rd., Ste. 117
Dallas, TX 75244
(800) 468-1317
Energy Source Directory
Iris Communications Inc.
258 E. 10th Ave., Suite E
Eugene, OR 97401-3284
(503) 484-9353
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Sustainable Building Sourcebook web version copyright Sustainable Sources 1994-1999.