Turn Up the Heat (or Cool Things Down): Programmable Thermostats

Programmable thermostats are a useful addition to a home, especially in places with extreme temperature fluctuation like Arizona. The installation of a programmable thermostat allows the heating and cooling of a home to automatically change to fit the needs and schedule of the home.

Reduce energy costs with a programmable thermostat

This reader writes; "We have a non-programmable thermostat for our heater and a dial that we turn for our swamp cooler. Can these two things be combined into one programmable thermostat?"

Installing a programmable thermostat is a relatively simple procedure that most home owners can do themselves (here is a video with step by step instructions on installing a programmable thermostat) but it may not be possible to control both a furnace and swamp cooler with one.

Programmable thermostats have an output of approximately # but a control unit for a swamp cooler will usually have an output of about #. This difference in output required from the units is the reason that programmable thermostats are not available for swamp coolers.

While you can replace the thermostat for your heater with a programmable thermostat, it seems you will be unable to use it to manage your cooling without getting an air conditioning unit installed as well.