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Programmable Thermostat

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Wynand Odendaal
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Austin, TX 78709
(512) 448-2000
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Programmable Thermostat:

CSI NUMBERS
DEFINITION
CONSIDERATIONS
COMMERCIAL STATUS
IMPLEMENTATION ISSUES
GUIDELINES

RESOURCES

CSI NUMBERS:

DEFINITION:

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.

CONSIDERATIONS:

A thermostat is usually the least costly component of a HVAC system. It can play a major role in the energy efficiency of the HVAC system. The goal of a setback thermostat is to regulate the HVAC system to maintain a desired comfort level when the home is occupied and then enter an economizing mode when the house is unoccupied. A double adjustment, during work hours and sleep hours, will result in the greatest energy savings in the summer and winter. A single adjustment to an economizing mode each day also contributes significant savings.

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.

Commercial
Status		 Implementation
Issues
technology suppliers cost financing public regulatory
Programmable Thermostat

Legend
green Satisfactory
yellow Satisfactory in most conditions
red Satisfactory in Limited Conditions
black Unsatisfactory or Difficult

COMMERCIAL STATUS

TECHNOLOGY

Well developed.

SUPPLIERS

Plentiful.

COST:

Range from $30 to $200.

IMPLEMENTATION ISSUES

FINANCING:

Available.

PUBLIC ACCEPTANCE

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.

REGULATORY:

Thermostats must be wired according to electrical code requirements. Most thermostats are low voltage devices. However, electric heat systems generally require "line voltage" thermostats.

GUIDELINES

1.0 Performance Characteristics

2.0 Location

3.0 Features For Optimum Energy Savings and Comfort

RESOURCES

PROFESSIONAL ASSISTANCE

 See "Air Conditioning, Heating, and Ventilating Engineers," "Energy Management Engineers," in Yellow Pages

COMPONENTS / MATERIALS / SYSTEMS

 See "Thermostats," "Heating Equipment and Systems," "Air Conditioning Equipment and Supplies," "Building Materials-Retail," in Yellow Pages

GENERAL ASSISTANCE

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This document was adapted to HTML by Bill Christensen, sysop and environmental editor of Texas InfiNet, an online community for progressive information.

Sustainable Building Sourcebook web version copyright Sustainable Sources 1994-1999.