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Programmable thermostats.(RATINGS)(Buyers guide)
Programmable thermostats can help save energy by automatically raising or lowering temperatures at night and when you're away. But confusing controls on some can make it easy to burn more energy than you bargained for.
The fact that some top thermostats can be hard to use is a primary reason the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is reconsidering its Energy Star qualification. The agency is proposing an educational program, and will work with the industry to make thermostats friendlier.
Today's top thermostats have built-in energy-saving programs that are designed to cut heating and cooling costs by up to 20 percent, eliminating the need to create programs from scratch. But you'll still have to set the time, date, and the system the programs will control. Odds are you'll also want to tailor those programs to your schedule.
Our Ratings cover 25 models, including CR Best Buys that cost as little as $35. But months of testing confirmed that even some top thermostats make programming far more onerous than others, regardless of price.
Guide to the Ratings
Overall score is based mainly on temperature performance, programming ease, and display visibility. Displayed scores are rounded; models are listed in order of precise overall score. Temperature rates the ability to maintain steady temperatures. Temperatures for highest scorers varied by just over 1[degrees] F; for the lowest, by about 5[degrees] F. Programming denotes ease of setup and making routine adjustments and changes to setback programs, including overrides. Display rates clarity at arm's length (2 feet), in subdued room light, while lighted and unlighted, and at night. Price is approximate retail.
Quick Picks:
- Smart Temp Transmitter.(from Moore Industries-International Inc.)(Brief Article)
- Magazine article from: New Equipment Digest August 1, 2001 700+ words
THZ Smart HART temperature transmitter delivers twice the accuracy (up to [+ or -] 0.025 [degrees] F/ [+ or -] 0.014 [degrees] C) of most comparable transmitters. Its long-term stability allows up to 5 years between scheduled calibrations. Using PC software, the smart THZ sets up in a minute or
- Slash your winter bills. (Savvy Solutions).(heating costs reduction...
- Magazine article from: Good Housekeeping January 1, 2002 700+ words
...With a new automated thermostat, you won't have to remember to lower the heat when you leave for work. Our pick: Lux Smart Temp TX9000 can adjust temperature settings four times per day and is programmableseven days in advance. At hardware stores...
- Cheap chills.(saving energy and money when using air-conditioning...
- Magazine article from: Consumer Reports July 1, 2008 700+ words
...energy bills by about 10 percent by using a programmable thermostat. Turn it up 10 degrees when you're out. The $80 Lux Smart Temp Touch Screen TX9000TS, $60 Lux TX9000, $55 Hunter Set & Save 44360, $75 CTC 43503, and $125 White Rodgers...
- I didn't mean to cheat-Regine.
- News wire article from: Asia Africa Intelligence Wire May 18, 2005 700+ words
...of the Department of Tourism and Smart Communications' tourism promotion program and as well as KFC, Wendy's, Digitel, Lux, Smart and Nokia. Internal Revenue Commissioner Guillermo Parayno said they are also looking into the records of the other incomes...
- DOJ lets Regine off taxmans hook.
- Newspaper article from: Philippine Daily Inquirer February 8, 2006 700+ words
...her earnings as product endorser of Nestle-Philippines, among others in 2003. Velasquez is also the endorser of the Department of Tourism and Smart Communications tourism promotion program, KFC, Wendys, Digitel, Lux, Smart and Nokia.
