Setback and enjoy a lower utility bill

Programmable thermostats for comfort and big savings

Q: Dear Jim: I am considering getting a new smart thermostat because our old one does not hold the temperature very steady. Which ones are best? Does it really cut utility bills to set the temperature back? - Steve H.

A: Dear Steve: It is a common myth that it takes more energy to reheat or cool your house than to just leave the temperature at one setting 24 hours a day. On the contrary, installing a smart programmable setback (setup in the summer) thermostat can easily save hundreds of dollars per year on your utility bills. A setback thermostat will also reduce wear on your furnace, air conditioner or heat pump.

In addition to lower utility bills, your year-round comfort will be greatly improved. The highest-quality programmable (smart) thermostats can hold your room temperature to within one degree of the setting. Your old thermostat probably lets the temperature fluctuate by three degrees or more. The electronic controls and the temperature sensors are more accurate.

You do not have to be an electrician to install a smart thermostat. You just need a screwdriver. Thermostats operate on a safe, low 24 volts, but it is still best to switch off the power to the heating and cooling system during installation. Most standard smart thermostats have just several color-coded terminals. It is wired just like your old thermostat. A heat pump model has a few additional color-coded wires to attach.

Don't be intimidated by the name "programmable." Even if your VCR still flashes 12:00, you will have no problem setting the daily schedules. For convenient programming from your easy chair, select a thermostat with a snap-off-the-wall feature. If your kids are always changing the temperature setting when you are out, select a model with an electronic lock.

If you want to install one quickly, and read the programming instructions later, select a smart thermostat with an auto-program button. Push it once and the

James Dulley is a mechanical engineer who writes on a wide variety of energy and utility topics. His column appears in a large number of daily newspapers.

Copyright 1999 James Dulley

20 ILLINOIS COUNTRY LIVING APRIL 1999

thermostat programs itself to a schedule for the typical family. Later, when you have time to think about your family members' schedules and read the instructions, you can reprogram the schedules.

Although most new smart thermostats look similar, do not just buy the cheapest one on sale, especially if you have a heat pump with auxiliary heat. There are significant differences in the savings and comfort levels you will achieve. For example, ones with "smart recovery" will remember previous run times so it knows just when to start the furnace and how to cycle it.

Before buying a thermostat, first consider the number of time/temperature periods your family will need. I recommend a minimum of four periods per day for the greatest flexibility and savings. The periods are typically called 1) wake, 2) day, 3) evening and 4) sleep. If you do not need four now, just set two consecutive periods to the same temperature. If your family's schedule varies, select one with temporary (several-hour) and vacation (long-term) override options.

Illinois FUNNYBONE Why do the bleachers get so hot after the ball game is over?   Because all the fans are gone. Mary M. Liles, Tampa, FL What is the father of all corn?   Answer — popcorn. Brooke Frericks, Fowler Where do frogs hang their flags?   Answer — On their tadpoles! What should you do if you catch your dog eating your dictionary?   Answer — Take the words right out of his mouth. Charlene Schwager, Claremont I was babysitting my four year old granddaughter Kelsi one morning. When we left the house it was very foggy outside. She looked around at the fog and said "Grandma, it sure is dusty outside today! Marilyn Kerchenfaut, Piper City

Next, determine if you want to be able to program a different schedule (program cycle option) for each day of the week (called 7-day). Most models have a rapid programming "repeat" key to duplicate the schedule for several days. Less expensive 5-2 smart thermostats provide for a one weekday time/temperature schedule and one weekend schedule. A 5-1-1 thermostat has one weekday schedule and a different one for each weekend day.

One of newest designs is a thermidistat. These control the furnace, air conditioner, blower and humidifier independently for total comfort. Thermidistats are an excellent complement to a heat pump, furnace and central air-conditioner with a variable-speed blower motor. In the winter, it uses an outdoor temperature sensor to automatically adjust the indoor humidity level to eliminate window condensation during very cold weather.

Special smart heat pump thermostats use sophisticated electronics to control the backup electric resistance heat. For example, in the morning, if your house is reheating at a predetermined rate (degrees per hour), then the more expensive backup heat will not kick on. With most standard thermostats, the difference between the room temperature and the set temperature determine when the backup heat comes on.

Write for (or instantly download - www.dulley.com) Utility Bills Update No. 453 - buyer's guide of the 11 best smart programmable thermostats, time/temperature schedules, cycle options, comfort features and a setback saving charts. Please include $3.00 and business-size SASE. Mail to: Jim Dulley, Illinois Country Living, P.O. Box 3787, Springfield, IL 62708.