ENERGY STAR^® - Qualifying Criteria for Programmable Thermostats

Definition
Programmable Thermostat - categorized as a device that enables the user to set one or more time periods each day when a comfort setpoint temperature is maintained, and one or more time periods each day when an energy-saving setpoint temperature is maintained. This device enables the user to save energy by ensuring the heating and cooling equipment is not running needlessly at a comfort setpoint temperature 24 hours per day. A programmable thermostat may be capable of controlling one or more zones of a conditioned space.

Criteria

Table 1 Programmable Thermostat Setpoint Temperatures
Settings		Setpoint Temperature (heat)		Setpoint Temperature (cool)
Wake		<=  21ºC		>=  26ºC
Day		set back at least 5ºC		set up at least 5ºC
Evening		<=  21ºC		>=  26ºC
Sleep		set back at least 5ºC		set up at least 2ºC

Table 2 Acceptable Setpoint Times and Temperature Settings
Settings		Time		Setpoint Temperature (heat)		Setpoint Temperature (cool)
Wake		6:00 a.m.		21ºC		26ºC
Day		8:00 a.m.		17ºC		30ºC
Evening		6:00 p.m.		21ºC		26ºC
Sleep		10:00 p.m.		17ºC		28ºC

Programmable Thermostat Settings
Programmable thermostats will have at least two different programming periods (for weekdays and weekends) and at least four possible temperature settings (i.e., wake, day, evening, and sleep). Thermostat settings will be pre-programmed so that the day and sleep time periods are at least eight hours long. Manufacturers will ship programmable thermostats with setpoint time and temperature settings - see Table 2 above.

Setpoint Temperature
The temperature setting in degrees Celsius or degrees Fahrenheit for any given time period.

Comfort Setpoint Temperature
The temperature setting in degrees Celsius or degrees Fahrenheit for the time period during which the building is expected to be occupied, e.g. early morning and evening hours.

Energy-Saving Setpoint Temperature
The setpoint temperature for the energy-saving periods, usually specified for both the heating and cooling seasons.

Set-Back Temperature
The setpoint temperature for the energy-saving periods during the heating season, generally at night and during unoccupied hours. This is a lower setpoint temperature than the comfort setpoint temperature.

Set-Up Temperature
The setpoint temperature for the energy-saving periods during the cooling season, generally at night and during unoccupied hours. This is a higher setpoint temperature than the comfort setpoint temperature.