Top 5 Best Programmable Thermostats Under $50 (2024 Review)

What Are Programmable Thermostats?

Programmable thermostats are specialized and highly customizable thermostats that can be pre-programmed so that it adjusts automatically without even touching the thermostat.

For example, if you work from 8am to 5pm, instead of keeping the heat at 75 degrees, you can pre-program the thermostat to turn the heat down to 65 degrees, and return to 75 degrees at 5pm.

Many programmable thermostats will also anticipate the time it will take to get back to the correct temperature. If it takes around 15 minutes to get to 75 degrees, then it will adjust accordingly.

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How Do Programmable Thermostats Work?

Programming a thermostat usually isn't that difficult, but some thermostats are notoriously more difficult than others. It always helps to have the manual handy.

Individual Day Programming

With most programmable thermostats, you will choose the day of the week, set the beginning temperature, beginning time, end temperature, and end time.

Most thermostats will have idiosyncrasies unique to their design, and studying the manual is important. You will simply have to go through each day and program the unit.

Some units such as the Orbit includes a Copy And Paste feature so you can quickly paste the settings into all the days that you want.

Weekday & Weekend Programming "5/2"

Other thermostats will just have two programs, one for the week and other for the weekend --- so all you have to mess with is equivalent to two programming days. These thermostats are called 5/2 because the separate out the weekdays from the weekend.

The ease of programming may be a critical factor in actually using the energy saving benefits of a programmable thermostat. It has been reported that about 40% of programmable thermostat owners don't use the actual energy saving features. 

Temperature Swing Adjustment

It's also crucial to keep in mind that a common issue with thermostats that can harm your HVAC is called the temperature swing. The temp swing is the degree difference between when it turns on and off. If this swing is only one degree, then the furnace or A/C may quickly cycle on and off and eventually even harm the system.

Some thermostats allow you to adjust this swing temperature to a few degrees or more.

And with some thermostats, instead of having the temperature swing adjustment, they simply have a customizable time period before the HVAC can turn on such as 5min or 10min --- this will help protect the HVAC in a similar way.

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Is It Worth Getting A Programmable Thermostat?

It is estimated by the EPA that you can save roughly 10% of your HVAC energy usage just by setting your thermostat 10 degrees lower when nobody is home.

Unfortunately, this is a challenging task to do manually. In reality, how many of us will do this every day? It's very easy to forget, and then when you get home, you have to wait for the temperature to get to a comfortable level.

With a programmable thermostat, it takes care of all the adjustments for you --- never forgetting.

In addition to temperature control, a programmable thermostat will help keep a more consistent temperature which will reduce stress on your HVAC system. If you have an older furnace or A/C, buying a programmable thermostat may extend it's life for several more years due to the reduced strain.

For landlords, having a programmable thermostat can also be a handy way to control HVAC energy usage and to prevent tenant squabbling over temperature. According to Mississippi State University, heating and cooling costs can use up to 50% of your home energy usage --- a large cost for investors.

Many programmable thermostats even have display lock features so only the landlord can control it.

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How Do I Replace & Install A Programmable Thermostat?

If you want to replace and install the thermostat yourself --- it isn't that difficult with a little DIY skills --- here is a quick summary.

1. Shutoff the power to the HVAC at the breaker box. The wiring is low voltage, but it's still a smart move so you don't cycle the furnace on and off accidentally.

2. Remove the thermostat face of the old unit. You will likely have to remove a screw or two.

3.  Unscrew or remove the thermostat wires. If it's an older thermostat, the wiring is likely held with screws. Unscrew the wiring and tape the thermostat wires to the wall. You don't want to lose these wires inside the wall.

4. Remove the old thermostat mount.

5. Install the new thermostat mount and connect wires. Many newer thermostats don't have screw connectors, and you simply insert the themostat wire in the corresponding connector. The green wire into the G-connector. The red wire into the R-connector etc.

6. Screw in the new thermostat face.

7. Turn power back on at breaker.

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What Is The Best Brand of Programmable Thermostats All Under $50?

There are many different brands of programmable thermostats. I have researched the market on Amazon, and since there is such a wide selection with many customer reviews --- Amazon can be a great option to buy a thermostat.

Check out my programmable thermostat reviews below with all of their pros and cons...

My #1 Top Pick

Honeywell Programmable Thermostat Under $50

My top pick for the best programmable thermostat at a budget price is the Honeywell RTH2300B1038. It has some great features such as...

1. Weekend & Weekday Programs

The Honeywell thermostat can be programmed separately for your weekends and weekdays, a nice feature to have that will save you time.

2. Backlit Display

This programmable thermostat has a large backlit display so you can easily change the temperature even in the middle of the night.

3. Smart Features

This Honeywell thermostat includes some smart features such as battery change reminders and it will also retain your settings in case you lose power.

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