How to Program Your Thermostat in Your Rental Home

Overview  

• Learn how to program your thermostat to match your daily schedule and keep your rental home comfortable year-round.  

• Follow simple steps to adjust your thermostat settings, create custom schedules, and troubleshoot common programming issues.  

• Discover thermostat best practices that can help support efficient HVAC operation and maintain a consistent indoor temperature. 

Whether it’s a hot summer afternoon or a chilly winter morning, your thermostat plays a big role in keeping your rental home comfortable. Learning how to program it correctly can also help your cooling system operate more efficiently while maintaining temperatures that work best for your household.  

If you’ve recently moved into your rental home or simply want to make sure your thermostat is working the way you expect, here are a few simple steps to help you get started.  

Start with Your Thermostat’s Default Settings 

Many thermostats come with a pre-programmed heating and cooling schedule. These default settings are designed to provide general comfort, but they may not match your daily routine. 

Taking a few minutes to customize the schedule can help your home stay comfortable when you’re there while avoiding unnecessary heating or cooling when you’re away. 

Find Instructions for Your Specific Thermostat 

While many programmable thermostats work similarly, each model may have slightly different buttons and menu options. 

To find instructions for your thermostat: 

• Check the information printed on or inside the thermostat cover.  

• Look for the manufacturer and model number.  

• Visit the manufacturer’s website to access user guides or programming instructions specific to your thermostat.  

Having the correct instructions can make programming your thermostat much easier. 

How to Program Your Thermostat 

Once you’re ready to adjust your settings, follow these basic steps: 

1. Choose the correct mode. Select either Heat or Cool, depending on the season.  

2. Set your preferred temperature. Adjust the temperature to your desired comfort level.  

3. Save the setting. Press the Set or Program button (depending on your model), then wait about 30 seconds for the thermostat to confirm the change.  

4. Verify the settings. Double-check that your new temperature remains displayed and doesn’t revert to the previous programmed setting.  

If the temperature changes back automatically, you may need to review your programmed schedule or repeat the setup process. 

Create a Schedule That Fits Your Routine 

Many programmable thermostats allow you to create different schedules for: 

• Weekdays  

• Weekends  

• Vacations or holidays  

• Times when no one is home  

Adjusting the temperature while you’re away can help reduce energy consumption while still keeping your home comfortable when you return. For example, you might schedule your thermostat to: 

• Raise the temperature slightly during summer work hours when the home is empty.  

• Lower the temperature in winter while you’re sleeping or away during the day.  

• Return to your preferred comfort setting shortly before you arrive home.  

Small changes to your thermostat schedule can help keep your home at a more consistent temperature and prevent your heating and cooling system from working harder than it needs to. 

Tips for Getting the Most from Your Thermostat 

To help your heating and cooling system run efficiently: 

• Avoid making frequent, dramatic temperature changes throughout the day.  

• Give your thermostat time to adjust after changing the settings.  

• Review your programmed schedule seasonally to make sure it still matches your routine.  

• Replace thermostat batteries if your model requires them and the display begins to fade. 

When You Need Additional Help 

If you’re unsure how to program your thermostat, start by checking the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific model. 

If you’ve confirmed your thermostat is programmed correctly but your heating or air conditioning still isn’t working as expected, it may be time to submit a maintenance request so your home’s HVAC system can be inspected. 

Stay Comfortable All Year Long 

A properly programmed thermostat helps keep your home comfortable while making the most of your heating and cooling system. Updating your schedule can help ensure your home stays comfortable whether you’re working from home, commuting, or traveling. 

Frequently Asked Questions  

It’s a good idea to review your thermostat settings whenever your routine changes or when the seasons change. Updating your schedule can help ensure your home stays comfortable whether you’re working from home, commuting, or traveling. 

If your thermostat keeps reverting to a previous temperature, it may still be following an existing programmed schedule. Double-check that you’ve saved your changes and review your weekday or weekend programming. If you’re still having trouble, consult the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific thermostat model. 

If you’ve confirmed that your thermostat is programmed correctly and your home still isn’t heating or cooling as expected, there may be an issue with the HVAC system rather than the thermostat. Submit a maintenance request so the system can be inspected if the problem persists.