Programmable thermostats: boring but magical triumphs of technology

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems use over 50% of the energy in most commercial buildings. Programmable thermostats are a low-cost, simple way to make sure those systems are running only when we need them, and are one of the best climate solutions we have.

However, they’re installed and used correctly in only a fraction of the properties visited by C3’s professional energy assessors. Help us change that!

Jump Ahead To:

Determine if your thermostat is programmable

Upgrade your thermostat to programmable - wifi optional!

Learn how to program your thermostat

Create clear thermostat setpoint policies

NOTE: The information below is geared toward simple thermostats compatible with smaller facilities. Larger facilities may have more complex building controls or automation systems that require customized interventions. If you have one of these systems, contact us at corp@theclimatecollaborative.org.

Why do we care about thermostats?

Programmable thermostats are often the lowest hanging fruit we can recommend from our commercial energy audits. They have proven themselves to be big energy-savers for buildings with predictable schedules, like an office. Despite this, there is still a lot of confusion about whether they save energy, and we have even found that a lot of building operators believe that it requires more energy to set back the HVAC at night.

To help understand why setbacks save energy, a simple analogy is helpful. Think of a building like a balloon with small pinholes in it. Pumping more “air” into the balloon is the equivalent of running the HVAC system. If the balloon is more pumped up, the air is going to leak faster. This is wasteful when you don’t need the balloon inflated - that is, when the building is empty. It is much more energy efficient to let the balloon deflate (the temperature to decline) at night, and then just pump it back up in the morning when you need to maintain the temperature for occupant comfort.

Steps to make the most of your thermostat

A typical nonprogrammable thermostat

TIP:

If you’re having HVAC work done, make sure that any new thermostats are programmable! This is not always the default for HVAC contractors, so make sure they know this is what you want.

1) Determine if your thermostat is programmable

The simplest way to tell if your thermostat is programmable is to look up the make and model to see what information you can find online. If that doesn’t work, try to program it.

Look for indicators on the screen that say “schedule”, “hold” or “program”.
Press/touch any menu or control buttons to see if you can find a “schedule” or “program” option.
Try to (gently) open the front face plate to see if there are additional program controls inside.

If none of these strategies work, it’s likely that your thermostat is not programmable and needs to be replaced. Alternatively, if you can find programming controls but can’t figure them out, it might be worth exploring an easier, more intuitive option. See here. If you’re just not sure, email us. We love helping! corp@theclimatecollaborative.org

Additional resources:

Thermostat type overview

Finding the model number

Are there any benefits to keeping your nonprogrammable thermostat? No, there are not. Intimidated by the process of replacing it? Email us at corp@theclimatecollaborative.org.

2) Upgrade your thermostat to programmable - wifi optional!

If you’re getting a new thermostat or want to replace an existing one, you can install either a basic programmable or wifi-capable option.

Basic programmable thermostats cost less than $50; if you prefer to have control from remote locations or access to data over time, wifi options (“smart thermostats”) may be a better fit. These start around $100 (DIY, or professional installation for either will cost a little more). See some recommended models here and here.

Key features to consider:

Wifi connectivity for remote access
Ease of use: whether the user interface is intuitive.
Data privacy: companies like Amazon and Google (Nest) may be more likely to gather your data for other purposes, whereas Ecobee, Honeywell, and Sensi are not as dependent on personal data to make their business models work.
Compatibility with your systems, including heat pumps, baseboard heat, etc.
Availability of remote sensors if there are spaces that are susceptible to extreme heat or cold (like a lobby that gets lots of afternoon sun but is far away from the thermostat). (For extreme cases, check with an HVAC contractor to adjust dampers and airflow rather than trying to solve with remote sensors.)

Rebates for thermostats:

Dominion Energy has rebates for business customers to install programmable thermostats. See here for more information. Charlottesville Gas customers can also receive rebates. See here. Richmond Gas customers can contact Richmond Gas Works to ask when incentive programs will be adopted (there are currently no programs available).

3) Learn how to program your thermostat

Key things to remember:

Set the fan to “Auto”, not “On”. HVAC fans use a lot of energy, and it's rarely necessary to run them all the time. If you’d like air circulation, use a floor or ceiling fan.
Thermostat programs should balance cost, comfort, and environmental goals. See below for information about setpoint policies.

For most thermostats, if you play around with them long enough, you’ll be able to figure out how to set the schedule. If you get stuck, “phone a friend” and contact us - we can even try to do a remote consultation to see if we can help out. Otherwise, see if you can find the user manual for your thermostat model at one of the links below. Refer to the links above too for additional help.

4) Create clear thermostat setpoint policies

One of the reasons that thermostat programs are so often overridden is because the settings aren’t meeting occupant needs - at least some of them. If people frequently change setpoints, or put the existing program on hold, the best approach is generally to have a conversation, adjust settings if needed, and make sure everyone knows the organization’s policies - this takes facilities managers out of the crosshairs and saves them from ongoing debates about what the temperatures should be.

Talk to the occupants of the space to understand the schedule of operations and any issues or areas of concern (hot spots, cold spots, etc.).
Establish setpoint policies rather than engaging in “thermostat wars.”

Example policy: heating setpoints shall be 68°F when the building is occupied, and 62°F or lower when unoccupied. Cooling setpoints shall be 76°F when occupied, 80°F or higher when unoccupied.

Post a simple summary of the policy - and why it’s important (e.g. meeting environmental goals, reducing costs, experiencing the joys of seasonal variation in temperature, etc.) - next to the thermostat.
Communicate policies clearly, and support facilities staff who face complaints when they operate according to these policies.
Lock thermostats or place limits on the range of allowable setpoints (e.g., +/- 2°F) to avoid schedule overrides. Include “thermostat guru” contact information for anyone who has questions.
Adjust policies over time to best meet occupant needs.
Accommodate people who “run hot”, “run cold”, or work in high-temperature areas like kitchens by providing fans to move air, varying dress codes to allow for season-appropriate clothing, encouraging appropriate dress (e.g., no flip-flops and shorts with space heaters under the desk), or making other allowances.