Custom Schedules
Custom Schedules | Thermostat Upgrades | Heating and Air Conditioning | Kelso
Picture a Kelso home that already knows when you’ll be back from the river, warms the living room before sunrise, and turns itself down the moment everyone leaves. That’s the everyday comfort HEP creates with thermostat upgrades that sync perfectly with your lifestyle. By teaching your HVAC system to follow custom schedules, we help you save energy without lifting a finger—and keep every room at the perfect temperature whether winter rain or summer sun is knocking on the door.
Our certified technicians install and program the latest smart thermostats in a single visit, then walk you through easy app controls so you’re never out of touch with your home’s climate. From voice commands to geofencing, HEP’s thermostat upgrades turn intuitive technology into lower utility bills and long-lasting peace of mind. Ready to give your Kelso comfort a smarter edge? Let’s set the schedule that fits you best.
FAQs
What is a custom HVAC schedule and why is it beneficial for homes in Kelso’s climate?
A custom schedule lets you program different temperature set-points for specific times of day and days of the week. In Kelso, we see cool, damp winters and warm, sometimes muggy summers. By automatically lowering the temperature at night in winter or raising it while you’re at work in summer, you avoid running the furnace or air conditioner when you don’t need it. This reduces energy use, increases comfort when you are home, and lessens wear on your equipment.
How do today’s smart thermostats make scheduling easier than older models?
Modern smart thermostats (Ecobee, Nest, Honeywell, etc.) learn your routine, use geofencing to detect when you’ve left, and let you drag-and-drop schedule blocks in a mobile app rather than pushing tiny buttons on the wall unit. Most models also offer voice control (Alexa, Google, Siri) and provide energy-use reports so you can fine-tune schedules for even greater savings.
Will a thermostat upgrade work with my existing furnace, heat pump, or mini-split?
Almost certainly. Today’s smart and programmable thermostats support single-stage, multi-stage, heat-pump (with or without auxiliary heat), and even dual-fuel systems. During our onsite visit we verify the voltage (24-volt low-voltage vs. 110/240-volt line-voltage), number of control wires, and whether a common (C) wire is available. If you don’t have a C-wire, we can usually add an external power kit so you can still enjoy a modern thermostat without running new cable.
How much can I save by upgrading my thermostat and using custom schedules?
The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that proper scheduling can trim heating and cooling costs by 10–12 % a year. In practical terms, Kelso homeowners typically report $100–$200 in annual utility savings—often enough to pay for the thermostat in two heating seasons. Smart models with occupancy sensors or geofencing push savings even higher because they automatically switch to eco-mode when everyone leaves the house.
What does the installation process involve and how long does it take?
A standard thermostat replacement takes about 60–90 minutes. We shut off power to the HVAC equipment, document existing wiring, mount the new thermostat base, connect wires (or install a C-wire adapter if needed), restore power, and walk you through initial setup and schedule programming. If you want optional outdoor sensors or multiple smart vents tied into the system, plan on an additional hour or two.
Can I control my thermostat remotely and integrate it with other smart-home devices?
Yes. All of the thermostats we install include a free iOS and Android app for remote control from anywhere with an internet connection. You can also connect to voice assistants, create IFTTT automations (for example, "turn HVAC off when a window sensor opens"), and share access with family members. For added peace of mind, most models send push alerts if indoor temperatures drop below a protective threshold—an important feature during Kelso’s cold snaps.