Why aren't programmable thermostats mandated here in the Valley? (Scottsdale: 2015, new home)

[Pink Jazz]

Considering there is such a mandate for two speed or variable speed pool pumps for energy saving reasons, I was wondering, why isn't there such a mandate for programmable thermostats here in the Valley? There are currently three states that mandate programmable thermostats for new homes and replacements for existing units: California, New Jersey, and New York.

We have friends who bought a house in Scottsdale, and it had a brand new NON-PROGRAMMABLE thermostat installed, along with a 13 SEER Goodman heat pump and air handler. When we visited their house last Sunday, we quickly swapped the thermostat out for a programmable Honeywell thermostat.

Perhaps could it be that some people don't know how to use a programmable thermostat properly? As I stated in another thread, it is more efficient to vary the temperature instead of leaving it constant all day, since the air conditioner can reach its maximum efficiency when running longer.

[ZonaZoo]

Because Arizona is not a nanny state.

[YAZ]

We'll mandate it soon enough.

Enjoy your new Honeywell thermostat.

[Pink Jazz]

Originally Posted by ZonaZoo

Because Arizona is not a nanny state.

So why are two speed or variable speed pool pumps mandated? Programmable thermostats can help reduce energy consumption as well.

[Burning Madolf]

Just because there is one doesn't mean it has to be programmed. I have 2, but work from home and they are always being being overridden. We have enough of the government mandates to deal with. The variable speed pump the OP mentions can be run 24/7 at full rpm.

[Pink Jazz]

Note that in 2015 in the southern U.S. (including Arizona), all air conditioners sold will be required to have a SEER rating of at least 14 (up from the current nationwide minimum standard of 13 SEER).

FYI, our house in Gilbert came with programmable thermostats by Honeywell.

[azdr0710]

because we Libertarians don't like government intrusion...

[Pink Jazz]

Originally Posted by johnp292

I thought the same thing. CA, NJ, NY....Three of the worst nanny states in the union. Now where did I leave my gun and my 64 ounce Coke?

So, why is mandating programmable thermostats any more of a nanny state law than mandating two speed/variable speed pool pumps? The pool pump mandate seems like it adds more upfront costs to consumers than would a programmable thermostat mandate. And a mandate doesn't mean that everyone who currently has a working non-programmable thermostat would have to immediately change it out, it only means they would be required in new construction or if replacing an existing thermostat; those who still have a working non-programmable thermostat can keep it until it fails.

[johnp292]

Originally Posted by Pink Jazz

So, why is mandating programmable thermostats any more of a nanny state law than mandating two speed/variable speed pool pumps? The pool pump mandate seems like it adds more upfront costs to consumers than would a programmable thermostat mandate. And a mandate doesn't mean that everyone who currently has a working non-programmable thermostat would have to immediately change it out, it only means they would be required in new construction or if replacing an existing thermostat; those who still have a working non-programmable thermostat can keep it until it fails.

Did you not see the big toothy grin at the bottom of my post?

[Burning Madolf]

Originally Posted by Pink Jazz

So, why is mandating programmable thermostats any more of a nanny state law than mandating two speed/variable speed pool pumps? The pool pump mandate seems like it adds more upfront costs to consumers than would a programmable thermostat mandate. And a mandate doesn't mean that everyone who currently has a working non-programmable thermostat would have to immediately change it out, it only means they would be required in new construction or if replacing an existing thermostat; those who still have a working non-programmable thermostat can keep it until it fails.

Pumps are low hanging fruit for pols to push through and try to look they are doing something green (how many new pool buyers are going to rise up in protest).

Thermostats are in 100% of homes and no pol has the spine to take on everyone, even if it is just on replacements. Also they are actually only a switch, as compared to a motor.

If you want pols to do something important, making sure solar was more practical, affordable and profitable would be way better than thermostats, which again, can be COMPLETELY ignored.