ECM: Space Heating & Cooling

Information by State  Print version   CAUTION STATEMENT TURN OFF UTILITIES: Turn off electricity, gas, propane, and other utilities before starting repairs, cleaning, or installations to avoid accident or injury. BE AWARE OF LEAD-BASED PAINT HAZARDS: Many residences built before 1978 have paint that contains lead, which can pose a serious health hazard if paint, chips, and dust are not handled properly. See the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) lead brief before disturbing painted surfaces in homes of this vintage. Follow the HUD “Lead-Safe Housing Rule” for requirements for notification, evaluation and reduction of lead-based paint hazards. BE AWARE OF ASBESTOS HAZARDS: Homes older than 1977 may have building products that contain asbestos such as insulation, high-temperature gaskets, roofing and siding shingles, and vinyl sheet flooring. See the EPA asbestos brief before disturbing such materials. BE AWARE OF MOLD AND MOISTURE HAZARDS: Molds can gradually destroy materials they grow on; can irritate the eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs of both mold-allergic and non-allergic people; can cause asthma attacks in people with asthma who are allergic to mold; and can cause other serious health problems. To learn more about preventing and cleaning up mold in homes, see these mold guides and the EPA brief on What to Wear When Cleaning Moldy Areas.

H5. Install Programmable Thermostats 

Description

Thermostats regulate temperature in a dwelling unit by controlling the heating system. A programmable thermostat is a special type of wall-mounted thermostat that automatically lowers the temperature setting at night, raising it back to the daytime setting in the morning. In addition to lowering the temperature at night, temperature-limiting programmable thermostats limit daytime temperature to a pre-determined setting (generally 72 degrees in family housing and 75 degrees in housing for the elderly).

Resident energy education is crucial when replacing non-programmable thermostats with temperature limiting programmable thermostats. At the time of installation, residents should be informed about why the thermostats were selected and how they operate. In buildings where heat had been unlimited, residents may find the lower temperatures uncomfortable at first. A resident education program should stress the importance of keeping windows closed and should include information about how to dress appropriately at home in the winter.

Applicability

• Single-family and multifamily buildings with non-programmable thermostats

Types

• Clock
• Light-sensitive

Considerations

• programmable thermostats should be a temperature-limiting type.
• Thermostats in common areas and apartments should be tamper-proof.
• Thermostats should be selected for ease of operation.
• For the elderly, thermostats with large digital displays should be selected, and should be install where residents should not have to bend or reach.
• Clock thermostats must be programmed to establish the daytime and nighttime settings.
• One disadvantage of light-sensitive thermostats is that residents may keep lights on to keep temperatures higher.
• PHAs with heat pumps should make sure the thermostats selected are compatible with heat pump systems.

Performance/Economics

• Thermostats with a 10 to 15 degree setback can reduce heating costs up to 10 percent annually.

Resources/Links

Energy Conservation for Housing – A Workbook, HUD, September 1998. Pages 7-59 through 7-62 address installing programmable thermostats.

Improving Energy Efficiency in Apartment Buildings, American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, 1995. ISBN 0-918249-23-6. Pages 65-66 address programmable thermostats as an energy-conservation measure.

Consumer Guide to Home Energy Savings, American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy, 1999, ISBN 0-918249-38-4. Page 86 addresses the economic benefits of programmable thermostats.

ENERGY STAR Program: Programmable Thermostats. Identifies ENERGY STAR qualified models, provides a savings calculator, and provides a link to dealers.

Thermostats and Control Systems. Part of the U.S. Department of Energy's Consumer's Guide. Discusses general operation limitations, and information about choosing and programming a programmable thermostat.