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HVAC - Thermostats for Heat Pumps and Dual-Fuel Heat Pumps

In this training module, the reader will learn about programable thermostats. This includes the benefits of installing them for heat pump and dual fuel HVAC systems. The reader will learn how to manage the wiring and program the settings of programable thermostat using ecobee and NEST thermostats as examples. 

Curriculum

  1. Remember

    • Learn what a thermostat is and what it does.

  2. Understand

    • Understand why smart thermostat control is important for heat pumps.
    • Understand when different components of dual fuel systems should operate.

  3. Apply

    • Understand terminal wiring for thermostats.
    • Understand the thermostat settings for the dual fuel configuration for ecobee and NEST.

Teaching Materials

HVAC Programmable Thermostats

Programmable thermostats are used to control heating and cooling equipment. They can be programmed so that they automatically adjust temperatures based on a set schedule. Smart thermostats can adjust based on occupancy or activity.

Energy is wasted when HVAC systems heat or cool homes to the same temperatures all the time. Programmable thermostats save money and energy by automatically adjusting the temperature at certain times of the day, such as when occupants are at work. So-called “smart” thermostats have even more sophisticated capabilities. If every home used a smart thermostat, we would save 56 trillion BTUs of energy per year.

Programmable thermostats adjust temperatures according to a set schedule. Electronic thermostats with adaptive recovery technology “learn” from experience how to most efficiently change from one temperature to another. Smart thermostats offer even more control. They can be programmed to automatically adjust temperatures when occupants are home, away, or asleep. Occupants can control them remotely through a smartphone, and they can track and manage energy use.