Businesses have special needs to consider when choosing a programmable thermostat. Buildings with multiple levels, multiple temperature requirements, and multiple HVAC systems must all be considered. Systems have to run smoothly to keep everyone comfortable and also to keep energy bills as low as possible.

While choosing a programmable thermostat can make a huge difference in comfort and energy usage, the right type of thermostat for your business is paramount. Following are some of the choices you’ll need to consider when deciding which programmable thermostat will best suit your needs.

System Programming Options

There are some thermostats available that allow you to program them to follow a specific weekend or weekday schedule, which is excellent for businesses that are closed on the weekends. In addition, for businesses that are routinely closed on different days of the week, some thermostats can be programmed to follow that schedule instead.

Multi-Stage or Single-Stage Programmable Thermostat?

Whether you should get a single-stage or a multi-stage programmable thermostat is going to depend on the heating system in your building. A single-stage thermostat will suffice if your building:

  • Uses only one source of heat, such as one furnace or one heat pump
  • Uses only one source of cool air
  • And both sources provide air at just one level

However, your building may need a multi-stage thermostat if it:

  • Has an HVAC system with inputs from two heat sources, such as a heat pump and a boiler or a heat pump and a solar panel
  • Has sources that provide heated and cooled air to multiple levels

You might also want to look for a programmable thermostat that offers up to two-stage heat alongside one-stage cooling, assuming your building has only one cooling source.

Thermostats for Heat Pumps vs. Conventional Systems

It’s important that you be aware that some programmable thermostats are designed specifically to work with heat pump systems only. There are also others that are designed to be used only with conventional HVAC systems.

This is not to say that all thermostats follow this “one or the other” rule. There are several quality products on the market that work very well and are compatible with both types of systems.

When you are considering which programmable thermostat to choose for your business, make sure that the type you choose aligns with the type of heating system in your building.

Consider a Programmable/Manual Combo Thermostat

The benefits that programmable thermostats can offer are clear, but there may be times when you would rather take manual control over the temperature of your commercial building. For example, if there is an unexpected heat wave or even a cold spell in the Bay Area, you’ll likely want to take over manual control so you can ensure that customers and employees stay safe.

If you want to prepare for these types of circumstances but otherwise want the money-saving control that a programmable thermostat provides, consider a model that does both. These types of thermostats can be switched between automatic and manual modes when needed.

Get a New Thermostat in Contra Costa from A-1 Guaranteed Heating & Air, Inc.

A-1 Guaranteed is the Bay Area’s award-winning HVAC leader. Offering services for residential and commercial customers throughout Napa, Solano, and Vallejo, our professional teams are licensed, bonded, insured, and expertly trained to help you with your HVAC needs.

We also provide solar energy services, home energy assessments, tankless water heater service, and more. If you’re interested in having a new thermostat installed for your business or you’re in need of any of the services we offer, contact A-1 Guaranteed Heating & Air, Inc. for a free quote.