Thermostats help regulate your heating and cooling equipment by maintaining the optimal temperature setting with the maximum energy efficiency. Today’s electronic models are a vast departure from earlier mechanical styles.

Types of Thermostats

ELECTRONIC thermostats work in much the same way as older, manual thermostats did. A microprocessor inside compares the thermometer reading of a room’s temperature to the desired temperature you select. Then, it gives start and stop commands to the heating or cooling system to bring the temperature to a level that makes you comfortable. It's up to you to change the settings when you need more comfort.

PROGRAMMABLE thermostats basically work the same as electronic thermostats with more features for comfort, efficiency and convenience. Simply program the temperatures you need, and the times of day you need them, to stay comfortable and save energy all season. You only need to program it once -- until the season or your lifestyle changes.

Thermostats & Energy Savings

The most important way that a programmable thermostat saves energy is in its setback feature. When you don’t need a normal level of heating or cooling, you can program the thermostat to set the temperature back until the next pre-programmed time when you want normal temperatures. Programming temperatures around 63°F on cold winter nights, when you’re snuggled under blankets, can help you save as much as 15% on your heating costs. You can save even more by programming your system to "setback" the temperature when your family is away at work, at school, or on vacation. In summer, setbacks work much the same way for central air conditioning.