Programmable Thermostats Save Energy Automatically

9 Steps to A Greener Code

New homes built using the 2009 International Residential Code (IRCInternational Residential Code. The one- and two-family dwelling model building code copyrighted by the International Code Council. The IRC is meant to be a stand-alone code compatible with the three national building codes—the Building Officials and Code Administrators (BOCA) National code, the Southern Building Code Congress International (SBCCI) code and the International Conference of Building Officials (ICBO) code.) or International Energy Conservation Code (IECC International Energy Conservation Code.) will be more energy efficient than ever. As a consequence, a builder’s world may become a bit more complex and, in some cases, a bit more expensive.

STEP 4: PROGRAMMABLE THERMOSTATS (Section N1103.1.1)

The code: Where the primary heating system is a forced-air furnace, at least one thermostat per dwelling unit shall be capable of controlling the heating and cooling system on a daily schedule to maintain different temperature set points at different times of the day. This thermostat shall include the capability to maintain zone temperatures between 55°F (13°C) and 85°F (29°C). The thermostat shall initially be programmed with a heating temperature no higher than 70°F (21°C) and a cooling temperature no lower than 78°F (26°C).

What it means to you:
This type of energy-saving device is commonly regarded as low-hanging fruit. It has been a popular addition to many new homes because of customer demand. A typical programmable thermostat will add between $20 and $40 over the cost of manual thermostats. The Energy Star website suggests that when used properly, programmable thermostats can save about $150 a year in energy costs.

This code requirement is mandated only for new homes using a forced air heating system because using programmable thermostats with other types of heating systems can cause complications.

The 2009 building codes reflect practices that not only increase energy efficiency—air-sealing measures and increased insulation, for example—but also address sustainable building practices, such as moisture control.

Other segments of this series:

Part 1: Air Sealing
Part 2: Insulation
Part 3: Lighting
Part 4: Programmable Thermostats
Part 5: Insulating Mass Walls
Part 6: Efficient Windows
Part 7: Insulating Mechanical Pipes
Part 8: Exceeding the Energy Code
Part 9: Vapor Retarders