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What is a programmable thermostat ?
What is a programmable thermostat?
A programmable thermostat is a time clock and thermostat in one. Programmable thermostats simplify the use of the heating system and are recognised by the Energy Saving Trust as an energy saving product.
A programmable thermostat is a time clock and thermostat in one. Programmable thermostats simplify the use of the heating system and are recognised by the Energy Saving Trust as an energy saving product.
Programmable thermostats are available from a host of thermostat manufacturers and should be considered as an upgrade from the standard manual dial thermostat and time clock arrangement still installed by most new house builders.
What makes a programmable thermostat special?
Operating the heating system becomes easier as you no longer have to handle two separate products (time clock and thermostat) More importantly however is the ability to program different temperatures at different times of the day. This is possible because most programmable thermostats use comfort levels rather than on and off switching times which are used in heating programmers and time clocks.
Another function available in some programmable thermostats is optimum start, a function designed to adjust the start up time automatically depending on the ambient temperature in the building. As a example, the heating can be turned on later in mild weather therefore saving energy.
Mains or Battery Powered?
Thinking about wired systems, there are two types of programmable thermostats available. Where 230v (mains power) is available, a mains powered programmable thermostat makes sense as it removes the need for replacement batteries. For those installations that have 2 wires, live and switch live, a battery powered programmable thermostat or an upgrade to the electrical cables installed is required.
When comparing different brands of Programmable Thermostat, consider these points;
1. How many comfort level settings are available - is it enough?
2. Does it offer "Weekday/Weekend" and "7 Day Programming" ?
3. Does it offer Optimum start ?
4. What warranty does the manufacturer offer?
5. Can I install a mains powered thermostat to save buying replacement batteries?
The Heatmiser PRT Programmable Thermostat
The Heatmiser PRT is our mains powered programmable thermostat, offering 5/2 day and 7 day programming. Optimum start is standard as well as a host of other energy saving features. It is approved by the Energy Saving Trust and is supplied with a 2 year warranty.
For more information on the Heatmiser PRT, click here