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How should you set the thermostat in winter?
Use a lower heating setting while you are away to reduce heating demand, but do not assume one number will protect every home from frozen pipes. Risk depends on outdoor conditions, insulation, where pipes run and whether the home has cold spots. The U.S. Department of Energy and ENERGY STAR describe the value of setbacks and vacation settings, but do not establish a universally safe winter minimum.
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If plumbing runs through an unheated crawl space, garage, exterior wall or other exposed area—or your home has frozen pipes before—ask a local HVAC or plumbing professional what setting is appropriate for your property. Follow equipment and insurer guidance where applicable.
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How should you set the thermostat in summer?
Raise the cooling setpoint to reduce air-conditioning use, but avoid assuming that turning cooling completely off is always appropriate. The U.S. Department of Energy says to keep the system running while you are away in summer to avoid moisture buildup that could produce mold. The amount of cooling a home needs depends on its climate, humidity, construction and HVAC system.
#1 Best Overall
- 【Notice】Please make sure to read the installation and wiring instructions provided in the pictures carefully before buying. If you are inexperienced with installation, it is advised to be cautious when making a purchase to avoid issues like product failure or incompatibility. (Verify the existing base to ensure only 2 to 5 wires are compatible for installation and wiring).
- 【Thermostat Applications 1H/1C】for with Conventional Single-Stage Heating & Air Conditioning, up to 1 Heat and 1 Cool. Gas/Oil/Electric Furnace (Heat only), Boiler Radiant (Heat only), Furnace Forced-Air (Heat Only), Gas Fireplace (24 Volts), Cooling Only, Only 1H/1C Heat Pump (without aux) Systems.
- 【Incompatible Systems】Does not work multistage systems (1H/2C, 2H/2C), HVAC heat pump systems (2H/1C, 4H/2C), PTACs, 3-wire hydronic (hot water), dual fuel/hybrid heating. Does not work line voltage systems (120-240V electric baseboards heat); mini split heat pump air conditioner, RV air conditioners mach and roughneck series.
- Suuwer S705 5-1-1 day programmable thermostat 1 Heat/ 1 Cool. Separate programs for the weekdays and weekends with 4 program periods per day including wake, leave, return and sleep.
- 【Technical support】 Separate heat or cool swing set up (0.2°F to 2°F) and 5 minute compressor delay protection (Selectable ON or OFF). Digital thermostat has a built-in battery change and filter change reminders (Set 50-2000 hours)
DOE’s October 2010 guide names 78°F as a summer setting when away. That is dated energy guidance, not a guarantee of safe humidity or a suitable setting for every house. Consider indoor moisture and home-specific conditions rather than treating 78°F as a universal rule.
What energy savings can a setback provide?
DOE’s 2021 Consumer Guide estimates that setting back the thermostat while away or asleep can save as much as 10% on heating and cooling costs. It also estimates that a 1°F setback for an eight-hour period can save 1% on heating bills. These are estimates, not promised savings for an individual household; results depend on the home, weather, system and duration of the setback.
Rank #2
- PRIVACY PROTECTION*: Sensi won’t sell your personal information to third parties
- EASY DIY INSTALLATION: Use the built-in level and step-by-step app instructions for a quick installation. Works with HVAC equipment found in most homes. Common wire (c-wire) is not required in most applications
- SAVE ABOUT 23% ON HVAC ENERGY*: The ENERGY STAR-certified Sensi smart thermostat can help you save energy with features like flexible scheduling, remote access and usage reports
- SIMPLE CONFIGURATION: Looks and feels like a thermostat. Has buttons and fits the same space as a traditional thermostat so you don’t have to patch and paint your walls
- SMART MAINTENANCE: Sensi can help monitor the performance and efficiency of your HVAC system by delivering valuable usage reports, alerts about your equipment, and maintenance reminders like filter replacement
What should you consider before leaving?
- How long you will be away: A longer absence can make a setback more worthwhile, but does not remove winter pipe or summer moisture concerns.
- Who or what remains at home: Set a temperature appropriate for pets, plants or other temperature-sensitive occupants rather than optimizing only for energy use.
- Your house and equipment: Account for insulation, local weather, plumbing routes and HVAC manufacturer instructions. Some variable-capacity systems may work best with the manufacturer’s thermostat.
- Your ability to check conditions: If you want to adjust the setting remotely, confirm that your thermostat and HVAC system are compatible before relying on that feature.
Do you need a smart thermostat?
No. A manual or programmed thermostat can be set before departure. A compatible ENERGY STAR certified smart thermostat may add vacation mode, remote adjustment, scheduling or geofencing, but these are conveniences rather than prerequisites. Check compatibility with your heating and cooling equipment; ENERGY STAR notes that some variable-capacity systems may be best paired with their manufacturer’s thermostat.
Are thermostat setbacks mandatory?
No. In an August 21, 2019 statement, the U.S. Department of Energy said, “It is the position of DOE that Americans should set their thermostats to whatever temperature they choose.” DOE explained that the 2009 ENERGY STAR report was intended as a resource for people seeking energy savings if they choose to pursue them. Setbacks are an option, not a requirement.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- An Alexa thermostat - Amazon Smart Thermostat is an easy way to switch from a traditional thermostats for homes and help reduce energy usage.
- Create comfort zones throughout your home by connecting to select Alexa devices to automatically adjust heating and cooling based on temperature readings or presence detection.
- Save money and energy - After purchase, Amazon will send you an email with details about home thermostat rebates that may be available from energy providers in your area.
- Save energy - According to EPA estimates, ENERGY STAR certified thermostats save an average of $90 on yearly energy bills.
- Programmable thermostat and automatic control - Create your own home, away and sleep schedules, or have Alexa automatically control the temperature with Alexa+ advanced features.
Rank #3
- · High Compatibility: Forced air (gas, oil or electric), Electric furnace, Hot water steam or gravity radiant heat, Heat only systems, Heat pump w/o auxiliary or emergency heat, Millivolt, Gas fireplaces (24V), Floor or wall furnaces, Cool only systems.(TIP: Before purchasing, check to see if this thermostat is compatible with your system.)
- · Not Compatible: Heat pump with auxiliary or emergency heat, Dual fuel/hybrid heating, Electric baseboard heat (110-240 volts), Line voltage, Convectors, Radiant-ceiling heat, Mini split systems and 12V RV systems.
- · Easy to Install and Use: Large terminal blocks with universal sub-base, can be installed within 30 minutes, Large, clear, easy-to-read backlight LCD display and easy controls make for a user-friendly experience.
- · Factory Pre-set Energy-efficiency Program: 7-day, 5/1/1 easy-to-understand programming menus, flexible programming lets you sync your comfort with your schedule.
- · Reliability: Made by professional manufacturer and backed by over 20 years of experience, the customer service is 7*24 hrs available.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
