How to Program a Programmable Thermostat

Programming a Programmable Thermostat

Most programmable thermostats offer a weekday/weekend split (5/2), a weekday/Saturday/Sunday split (5/1/1) or a seven-day split, which allows you to customize the temperature regulation on each individual day. If you are a person that maintains a consistent work schedule throughout the week, a 5/2 split may be the right choice for you. If not, a more customizable solution may be of interest. 

1. Install Backup Battery

   Install the backup batteries that will maintain the memory in the event of a power failure.

2. Set Date and Time

   Set date and time on the thermostat.

3. Use the Manual to Familiarize Yourself With Your Thermostat

   Follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer to program your specific thermostat. On most units, there are two different settings: heating and cooling. There is also a fan setting that controls whether the fan runs constantly or only when heating and cooling.

4. Program Your Desired Weekday Temperature Schedule

   First, set the heat for the weekdays by setting the switch to heat and selecting a program. Set the thermostat to a specific day and time, then set your desired temperature. You have the option to set different temperatures for different times of the day. For instance, you may want the furnace to turn down to 65 degrees at 7 a.m. when you leave for work but heat the home to 70 degrees when you arrive. Likewise, you may want the home to be cooler while you are sleeping. Repeat the process for the cooling function.

   Tip

   When choosing your temperatures, it is not a good idea to allow your home to reach extremely low or high temperatures, even if you won't be there to experience them. This can lead to moisture damage, frozen pipes, and general wear-and-tear on the home. Always choose a moderate temperature range to circumvent damage.

5. Repeat Process for Weekends

   Since you will likely be home more on the weekends, you may want to tell the furnace and air conditioner to run more frequently. On the other hand, if this is a weekend home, you may only need the home heated or cooled during the weekend. That's the beautiful part about programmable thermostats: They are adjustable to your individual needs. Press the program button until the day of the week reaches Saturday, then set the times and temperatures you'd like. Repeat for Sunday. Some units only have a weekend mode that controls both days, while others offer individual curation.

Programming a Smart Thermostat

The process of programming smart thermostats varies only slightly from programmable thermostats, as the end goal is generally the same. Smart thermostats are far more customizable, yet they are designed to fit a wide array of consumer needs and can do as little or as much as you want.

1. Install Backup Battery

   Install the backup battery for power-loss protection. If your device is hard-wired, skip this step.

2. Determine Easiest Setup Process

   Read your manual to determine whether or not your smart thermostat is more easily set up using your smartphone or the unit itself.

3. Connect to WiFi

   Connect your thermostat to your home's WiFi.

   Warning

   Whenever you use smart devices such as thermostats, door locks, cameras, and speakers, always use a secure WiFi connection with a strong password to protect your privacy.

4. Set Date and Time

   Set the date and time on your unit.

5. Set Temperatures

   Depending on your preferences, your smart thermostat can heat and cool in different ways. Most models allow you to select heat, cool, or heat and cool, as well as off. Heat and cool will allow you to set multiple temperatures which your thermostat will use as a guide to run your furnace and air conditioner accordingly. Once you determine your desired function, set your temperatures accordingly. On most units, this is a good time to set when your fan will circulate air as well.

6. Set Scheduled Temperatures

   A smart thermostat is fully customizable and will allow you to set multiple temperature changes for every individual day. Customize each day according to your schedule and input the scheduled heating and cooling using either your smartphone or the thermostat itself.

7. Adjust If Needed

   The great thing about smart thermostats is how easy they are to adjust. If you find that your schedule is changing or your initial programming is not ideal, simply use your smartphone to make changes. If you have a week-long vacation coming up, many thermostats will allow you to schedule a specific heating and cooling plan for that week ahead of time—or even make adjustments while you're away through the smartphone app.