##  [4 Important Factors to Consider When Shopping for Programmable Thermostats](/blog/article/4-important-factors-to-consider-when-shopping-for-programmable-thermostats) 

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March 29, 2013

 

 

When you’re looking for a place to start saving money, reducing your heating and cooling bill is a great place to start.

According to [ENERGY STAR](https://www.energystar.gov/products/energy_choices_count), the average household spends $2,000 a year on energy bills. And almost half of that is from heating and cooling your home.

But honestly, you’re probably spending too much money [heating](/service-category/heating-systems) and [cooling](/service/ac-systems) your home. If you’re awake at home for only 7 hours in the day, why are you paying to heat and cool your home for the other 17 when you’re not there or you’re asleep?

That’s where a [programmable thermostat](/service/thermostats-zoning) comes in. It helps you efficiently heat and cool your home based on your schedule. Many thermostats

According to [ENERGY STAR](https://www.energystar.gov/products/smart_thermostats) and [Consumer Reports](https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/thermostats/buying-guide/index.htm), properly using a programmable thermostat can save you about $180 a year.

In this post, you’ll learn the main factors to consider when shopping around for these money-saving devices.

**Scheduling Type**  
Most programmable thermostats have different levels of scheduling flexibility. The 3 main models are the 5+2-day, 5-1-1-day and 7-day.

- **5+2-day:** Gives you 2 schedules you can set: one schedule for the weekdays and a separate schedule for the weekend.
- **5-1-1-day**: Gives you 3 schedules you can set: one for the weekdays, one for Saturday, and another for Sunday.
- **7-day:** Gives you 7 schedules you can set: a separate schedule for every day of the week.

For those who have a typical work week, the 5+2-day model is a good choice.

If you have extra activities you like to do on Sunday, like going church, then the 5-1-1-day model is a better choice.

And for those who want more flexibility or have an atypical work week, the 7-day model is your best bet.

**External design**   
Here are a few physical design features to keep in mind:

- **Imagine how it will look in your home** - You don’t want your thermostat to stand out like a sore thumb (unless it has a polished sleek design that you want to show off).
- **Consider the screen’s features** - Is it large enough to be easily seen? Is the screen backlit for easy night usage? Does the screen have touch capabilities for easy use?
- **Look at button size** - Button size is especially important if you have elderly or visually impaired loved ones in your home. Tiny buttons can be frustrating for those with poor eyesight.

**Extra Features**  
It might be surprising, but programmable thermostats can come packed with a variety of extra features that can increase comfort and save you money.

Some of the ones you want to be aware of are:

- **Vacation feature** - Gives you a special schedule you can set when you’re on a long vacation.
- **Air filter alerts** - Tells you when your air filter is dirty. Now you’ll have one less maintenance task to remember.
- **Malfunctioning alerts** - Tells you when you heating/cooling systems are malfunctioning.
- **Wi-Fi capabilities** - Some models can be used remotely through a computer or mobile device.
- **Adaptable Intelligent Recovery** – Determines how quickly the system needs to come back on to achieve your desired set temperature by the set time.

**Warranty & Support**  
Make sure the programmable thermostat you’re getting comes with a manufacturer's warranty, in case it malfunctions. And just like any device you’d program, you’ll want a detailed manual that shows you how to set up and operate your programmable thermostat.

**Don’t want to install it? We’ve got you covered.**   
If you’re interested in getting a programmable thermostat, we can come and install it for you and show you how to properly use it.

[**Contact Pippin Brothers online**](/contact) **for more information about** [**programmable thermostats**](/service/thermostats-zoning) **and the models we offer in the** [**Lawton, Oklahoma area**](/service-area)**.**



 

 









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