Programmable Thermostats: Yes or No?

Many HVAC experts highly recommend installing a recent-model programmable thermostat along with a new system. While not absolutely necessary, they add deeper levels of functionality to your HVAC system. These added functions come with tangible benefits in terms of energy savings and extended service life. “Smart” systems like the Nest also make your HVAC system more sophisticated than you imagined, with features like automatic adjustments based on weather reports.

Programmable Thermostats Bring HVAC into a More Advanced Age

Think of it this way: An on/off switch is the simplest form of control for a device like an HVAC system. Hitting “off” is like pulling the plug on the system by cutting off the circuit, and when the system is “on” the circuit will run until the machine breaks down or the power source is interrupted again. If someone used a switch like this for their HVAC, they would often end up with a freezing cold or blistering hot house when they forget to adjust the system.

To solve this problem, thermostats were created. Now, the system can shut itself off when it achieves its desired function — making the house a more comfortable temperature. Systems no longer just keep running and running when they do not need to be.

Except that they often do still keep running when they do not need to be. The set temperature is comfortable only for people who are in the house and not necessary when they are asleep or not present.

A programmable thermostat solves this problem by running according to a schedule that brings the indoor temperature closer to the temperature outside when the comfortable temperature is no longer needed. They know to bring the temperature back to the comfortable ideal in time to have the home back to where you want it before you get up or get home from work.

Adjusting the temperature just a few degrees like this can have a huge impact on the frequency an HVAC system runs. For every two degrees you nudge it down over an eight hour period, you can save 8-20 percent or more on your power bill. A reduction in energy use also corresponds to a reduction in system load, meaning that having these temperatures adjusted can also add a year or more to your system’s service life.

All Gain, No Pain

Many people are opposed to installing programmable thermostats since they seem too complex. The truth is many systems do a have a small learning curve, but over time using them becomes second nature. With most systems you can “set it and forget it” unless there is a change to your weekly schedule.

Newer systems like the Nest have extremely user-friendly interfaces that make setting up or adjusting your schedule a breeze, and they can account for changes in schedule automatically. The Nest also comes with incredibly useful features that you are likely to miss when you go visit your relatives. These include:

• Smart sensing to automatically detect when people are home
• Natural adjustments to schedule as you transition into kids’ school year or different seasons
• Automatic adjustments for weather, such as making the temperature cooler on a more humid day
• Geofencing that turns your system on when it detects you are around 15-30 minutes away
• Remote adjustments from your smartphone that let you get the house ready for your arrival or lower the temp if you forget to adjust for a schedule change
• Newer functions as Nest sends free live updates to installed systems

These types of features make HVAC “cooler” than you could have ever thought, if you forgive the pun.

For those that want programmable functionality without having to invest in a system like the Nest, you can find a programmable thermostat for less than $40 from some retailers. You can even choose the level of complexity, such as a 5-2 day system for a simple schedule based on the differences between the workweek and the weekend. Take a look at our best thermostats of 2015 guide to learn more about the system with the best features or price points for typical needs.

So, all said and done programmable thermostats are ultimately not necessary, but they give you more control, more savings and more use out of your HVAC system overall. If you are investing in a new HVAC system installation, then you might as well give it an edge on energy consumption and system wear with a thermostat that actually accounts for times the system needs a break.

Anyone in the market for a new heating and air conditioning system can ask their local HVAC contractor for advice on the best thermostat to match their system, climate and individual needs. Click here and you can get free, personalized quotes from the most reputable HVAC contractors in your area. You can see upfront pricing without the need to fill in contact information or actually schedule a contractor to visit your home. Get your quote today, and have your slick new HVAC system and thermostat up and running before you know it.