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Programmers have more options and usually more buttons - under a flap on this one

A larger digital screen on a programmable thermostat

Programmers tell the central heating when to come on and off. Simple models just turn it on and off at the same times every day. Others give you more choices – for example you can automatically programme different settings for weekends and week-days, or for different days of the week. There are three types of programmer.

Digital programmers
Digital types show settings on a small LCD screen. They tend to give you more options for controlling your heating, but for this reason they can be more complicated to use.

Mechanical programmers
Mechanical types have been made for a number of years. They have a round ‘clock face’ which moves round to show the time. You move pointers (called tappets) around the dial to set the on and off times for the heating system.

Programmable thermostats
Programmable thermostats are combined room thermostats and programmers. You may find it convenient to set the temperature and timings from one unit. Most of them have the same features as other programmers, and some have the extra advantage of allowing you to set different temperatures for different times of day. See the tables on Digital and mechanical programmers and Programmable thermostats for more information.

Zone Control - In most homes the central heating is controlled by one thermostat. Some systems can be fitted with zone controls - you have separate thermostats for each area, say bedrooms and living rooms, so you can control them separately.

Taking Control - A guide to buying or upgrading central heating controls(view report contents)

Programmers

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Home About us Research services Reports Childcare products Continence Household products Mobility Telecoms and alarms General Surveys Design Ordering Links Site map change text size and colour ?		Taking Control - A guide to buying or upgrading central heating controls(view report contents) Programmers Programmers have more options and usually more buttons - under a flap on this one Mechanical programmers have a 'clockface' A larger digital screen on a programmable thermostat Programmers tell the central heating when to come on and off. Simple models just turn it on and off at the same times every day. Others give you more choices – for example you can automatically programme different settings for weekends and week-days, or for different days of the week. There are three types of programmer. Digital programmers Digital types show settings on a small LCD screen. They tend to give you more options for controlling your heating, but for this reason they can be more complicated to use. Mechanical programmers Mechanical types have been made for a number of years. They have a round ‘clock face’ which moves round to show the time. You move pointers (called tappets) around the dial to set the on and off times for the heating system. Programmable thermostats Programmable thermostats are combined room thermostats and programmers. You may find it convenient to set the temperature and timings from one unit. Most of them have the same features as other programmers, and some have the extra advantage of allowing you to set different temperatures for different times of day. See the tables on Digital and mechanical programmers and Programmable thermostats for more information. Zone Control - In most homes the central heating is controlled by one thermostat. Some systems can be fitted with zone controls - you have separate thermostats for each area, say bedrooms and living rooms, so you can control them separately. Back to top Report Contents About this guide Central heating basics Types How to buy What consumers want from central heating controls Registering for priority service Thermostats Room thermostats buying guide Room thermostats - summaries Thermostatic radiator valves buying guide TRVs - summaries Programmers Programmers buying guide Digital programmers - summaries Mechanical programmers - summaries Programmable thermostats - summaries Tables Digital and mechanical programmers Programmable thermostats Help with money Keeping bills down Main gas and electricity operators Helpful organisations Help with seeing and gripping Manufacturers
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