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Your thermostat, made simple.

What each button does, sensible settings for summer and winter, and what to look for in a thermostat that is easy to live with.

A typical thermostat with five numbered parts 1, the display showing the room temperature and the setting. 2, the up and down buttons. 3, the mode button. 4, the fan button. 5, the hold button. Each is explained in the list beside the drawing. 72° SET 76 COOL MODE FAN HOLD 12345
The buttons

Five things to know.

  1. 1
    The displayThe big number is the room temperature now. "Set" is the temperature you asked for. If the screen is blank, try new batteries first.
  2. 2
    Up and downChange the setting one degree at a time. Setting it much lower doesn't cool the house faster — it only runs longer.
  3. 3
    ModeCool in summer, Heat in winter, Off when windows are open. "Auto" switches between the two by itself.
  4. 4
    Fan"Auto" runs the fan only while heating or cooling — the usual choice. "On" runs it all the time.
  5. 5
    HoldKeeps your setting and ignores any schedule. Press it again to go back to the schedule.
Settings

Sensible starting points.

Energy.gov suggests these as energy-saving starting points while you are home and awake. Comfort and health come first.
SeasonHome and awakeAsleep or away
Summer (Cool)78°A few degrees warmer, if you are comfortable with it
Winter (Heat)68°A few degrees cooler, if you are comfortable with it

Many older adults feel the heat more than they expect. If 78° feels too warm, set it lower — there is no prize for suffering. On very hot days it is safer to keep the house cool than to save a little on the bill.

Choosing a new one

What makes a thermostat easy to live with.

A large, lit display

Big numbers you can read from across the hallway, with a backlight that comes on when you touch it.

Real buttons

Physical up and down buttons are easier than small touch areas, especially with cold or stiff fingers.

No app required

Everything should work from the wall. An app can be a bonus for family who help from a distance — never a requirement.

Clear words

"Cool", "Heat" and "Off" spelled out, not icons you have to guess at.

An older person's hand pressing the large up button on a simple wall thermostat
We fit it, set it and leave a printed card with your settings.

If the air conditioning stops in a heat wave

Call us on (623) 283-1863. While you wait, close the blinds, use fans, move to the coolest room and drink water. If anyone feels dizzy, confused or unwell in the heat, call 911.

At home

We set up the thermostat on every visit and leave a printed card with your settings.

In shared buildings

Clubhouses and halls often need a locking cover or a limited range, so settings stay sensible between events.