Programmable thermostat?

bishop · 05-02-2008, 08:58 AM

I debated getting a programmable thermostat a few months back but was convinced that, because we have a heat pump, it really wasn't necessary. But now I have access to the collected wisdom of this forum and thought I'd ask.

I have a Trane heat pump and the thermostat provided by the builder. I know that significantly changing the setting (e.g. 76 while we're gone and 72 while we're at home) would cost more than keeping it constant, but what about varying by one or two degrees? Is it worth the investment in a good programmable thermostat?

mcnerd · 05-04-2008, 07:51 PM

For 1-2 degrees, not worth it. I have a programmable thermostat for my central heating & A/C. When I was working there were 4 settings basically -- sleep, wake up, at work, and at home, plus different settings for weekends. Temperature range would be more than 5 degrees. Cold during the night, heat up at little while I get ready for work, cool down while I'm gone, and then a comfortable temperature when I'm home.

saint tim · 05-05-2008, 03:53 AM

I used to work in the hvac field and I can say that a programable stat is well worth the money if used correctly. To many people don't know how to set them or just make it all one temp. Get a 7 day programable. Give each temp change 30 minutes. If you change the temp while you're asleep or at work make the change happen 30 minutes before you wake up/return home.

and change your filters often, do not buy expensive dense filters. They are actually more harm than good. Buy a decent midrange filter and change it often. It's the number one reason you'll have to call out a repair man and it sucks to pay over a 100 bucks because you didn't change a 2 dollar filter.

kav122 · 05-05-2008, 04:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by saint tim

and change your filters often, do not buy expensive dense filters. They are actually more harm than good. Buy a decent midrange filter and change it often. It's the number one reason you'll have to call out a repair man and it sucks to pay over a 100 bucks because you didn't change a 2 dollar filter.

How often do you suggest? Every 2-3 months? 6?

saint tim · 05-05-2008, 06:31 AM

The easiest way to remember would be at the beginning of each season. For higher efficiency also change it mid season in the summer and winter.

The faster the air moves the better your unit works. If you slow that air down too much it will cause your unit to freeze and possibly slug the compressor... then you replace the unit.

with heating if the air is not moving the furnace will overheat and shut itself down, if it does it three times during a cycle it will lock itself out on safety. All it takes is a flip of the power switch to unlock it but if you don't know that, you call the repair man and he flips the switch and changes your filter.

kav122 · 05-05-2008, 06:38 AM

thanks, good to know! Is this what is happening when I hear the heater turn on, then almost immediately turn off?

We do change the filter pretty regularly. But it seems like I got a super thick one last time thinking that it was better.

gt0163c · 05-05-2008, 10:29 AM

Also, for programmable thermostats, don't forget to reset the time when the clocks change in the spring and fall and after power outages. I've been known to forget and then wonder why it's extra hot or cold when it shouldn't be.

saint tim · 05-05-2008, 02:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kav122

thanks, good to know! Is this what is happening when I hear the heater turn on, then almost immediately turn off?

We do change the filter pretty regularly. But it seems like I got a super thick one last time thinking that it was better.

yes, that does sound like a short cycle. If you have a lot of pets and have not always been good about filter maint, sometimes the inside of the a-coil will become obstructed. If it is accessible it can be cleaned with a tooth brush.

It could also mean that you have blocked vents, or a covered intake. Make sure all your grates are clear.

heybabylover · 05-22-2008, 11:52 PM

hey, man. May i have a question? May i post a message to you?

lucille · 05-23-2008, 06:19 AM

Were looking at adding one (programmable thermostat), we don't have a heat pump in our system though. We get some decent savings through daylighting and want to be able to modify the heat and AC accordingly.

05-02-2008, 08:58 AM	#1
bishop Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Pendleton, SC Posts: 44 Reputation: (10)	Programmable thermostat? I debated getting a programmable thermostat a few months back but was convinced that, because we have a heat pump, it really wasn't necessary. But now I have access to the collected wisdom of this forum and thought I'd ask. I have a Trane heat pump and the thermostat provided by the builder. I know that significantly changing the setting (e.g. 76 while we're gone and 72 while we're at home) would cost more than keeping it constant, but what about varying by one or two degrees? Is it worth the investment in a good programmable thermostat?

05-22-2008, 11:52 PM	#9
heybabylover Junior Member Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 4 Reputation: (10)	Funny hey, man. May i have a question? May i post a message to you? __________________ Green Laser Pointer,Green Laser,Laser Pointer,

05-23-2008, 06:19 AM	#10
lucille Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 510 Reputation: (33)	Were looking at adding one (programmable thermostat), we don't have a heat pump in our system though. We get some decent savings through daylighting and want to be able to modify the heat and AC accordingly. __________________ Dark Style Blog http://darkstyleblog.blogspot.com/

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05-04-2008, 07:51 PM	#2
mcnerd Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Southern California Posts: 74 Reputation: (12)	For 1-2 degrees, not worth it. I have a programmable thermostat for my central heating & A/C. When I was working there were 4 settings basically -- sleep, wake up, at work, and at home, plus different settings for weekends. Temperature range would be more than 5 degrees. Cold during the night, heat up at little while I get ready for work, cool down while I'm gone, and then a comfortable temperature when I'm home.

05-05-2008, 03:53 AM	#3
saint tim Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Lee's Summit, MO Posts: 33 Reputation: (12)	I used to work in the hvac field and I can say that a programable stat is well worth the money if used correctly. To many people don't know how to set them or just make it all one temp. Get a 7 day programable. Give each temp change 30 minutes. If you change the temp while you're asleep or at work make the change happen 30 minutes before you wake up/return home. and change your filters often, do not buy expensive dense filters. They are actually more harm than good. Buy a decent midrange filter and change it often. It's the number one reason you'll have to call out a repair man and it sucks to pay over a 100 bucks because you didn't change a 2 dollar filter.

05-05-2008, 06:31 AM	#5
saint tim Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Lee's Summit, MO Posts: 33 Reputation: (12)	The easiest way to remember would be at the beginning of each season. For higher efficiency also change it mid season in the summer and winter. The faster the air moves the better your unit works. If you slow that air down too much it will cause your unit to freeze and possibly slug the compressor... then you replace the unit. with heating if the air is not moving the furnace will overheat and shut itself down, if it does it three times during a cycle it will lock itself out on safety. All it takes is a flip of the power switch to unlock it but if you don't know that, you call the repair man and he flips the switch and changes your filter.

05-05-2008, 06:38 AM	#6
kav122 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Minneapolis, MN Posts: 510 Reputation: (238)	thanks, good to know! Is this what is happening when I hear the heater turn on, then almost immediately turn off? We do change the filter pretty regularly. But it seems like I got a super thick one last time thinking that it was better.

05-05-2008, 10:29 AM	#7
gt0163c Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Texas Posts: 250 Reputation: (33)	Also, for programmable thermostats, don't forget to reset the time when the clocks change in the spring and fall and after power outages. I've been known to forget and then wonder why it's extra hot or cold when it shouldn't be.