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Thermostat Schedule and Cost Scenario Calculator

Compare complete daily temperature profiles or test explicit heating and cooling cost changes, recurring fees, upfront cost and simple payback.

Use this result well

Inputs that matter
Profile mode, Baseline indoor setpoint (°F), Proposed daily schedule, Sources and assumptions, and 6 more
Output to expect
Thermostat daily temperature profile, Thermostat cost and payback scenario
  • Check the units and required inputs before comparing results.
  • Keep the assumptions with a copied result so you can reproduce the calculation later.
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Reference & details

How it works

Thermostat daily temperature profile

Compare a complete 24-hour proposed setpoint profile with a fixed baseline setpoint using the outdoor temperature entered for each block. The result is an idealized temperature-difference profile, useful for describing a schedule. It is not a prediction of energy or money saved.

Heating degree-hours = sum(max(0, indoor setpoint − outdoor) × hours); cooling reverses the temperature difference.

Thermostat cost and payback scenario

Evaluate a thermostat purchase using independently chosen heating/cooling cost changes and actual device, installation and recurring service costs. Positive percentages mean reductions; negative percentages mean increases. These are assumptions you supply, not savings inferred from a setback temperature.

Annual net reduction = heating cost × chosen reduction + cooling cost × chosen reduction − added yearly fees; simple payback = net upfront cost ÷ positive annual net reduction.

Updated: September 2026

Example Scenarios

The built-in example is an arithmetic illustration. Replace it with your own verified measurements or planning assumptions.

→ 64 °F·h reduction in profile

The built-in example is an arithmetic illustration. Replace it with your own verified measurements or planning assumptions.

→ $112.00 annual net reduction

FAQ

No. The temperature profile is an idealized degree-hour comparison. The separate cost mode uses your explicit percentages; it does not convert setpoint degrees or profile changes into guaranteed savings.

Use the actual source documents, units and operating conditions shown in the selected mode. Replace illustrative examples with your records, enter explicit zeros only where valid and retain unresolved assumptions.

Choose Save planning case for local history. Copy MD retains current inputs, notes and interpretation; Download CSV exports the result breakdown. Export a separate copy before changing devices or clearing browser storage.

About Thermostat Schedule and Cost Scenario Calculator

Compare a complete 24-hour proposed setpoint profile with a fixed baseline setpoint using the outdoor temperature entered for each block. The result is an idealized temperature-difference profile, useful for describing a schedule. It is not a prediction of energy or money saved. Evaluate a thermostat purchase using independently chosen heating/cooling cost changes and actual device, installation and recurring service costs. Positive percentages mean reductions; negative percentages mean increases. These are assumptions you supply, not savings inferred from a setback temperature.