Never on weekends
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How many cycling events occurred last year?
There were eight cycling events during the summer last year.
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How does this program help the environment, reduce the cost of power and save energy?
Partners may adjust the Energy Optimizer programmable thermostat using four categories: Leave, Return, Sleep and Wake. The Envirnmental Protection Agency states that Energy Star® programmable thermostats can produce year-round savings of 20 percent or higher. By actively taking steps to reduce energy consumption in your home, you reduce the amount of pollutants released in the atmosphere.
The Energy Optimizer Program helps reduce summer peak demand, reducing the need for additional peaking units.
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Can I really make a difference by participating?
Currently, thousands of Energy Optimizer partners are making a significant contribution to conserving electricity, reducing our summer peak demand, and therefore improving our environment.
With your help, we can reduce the demand on the electrical system by approximately one kilowatt per home. This means we will reduce the amount of electricity we import at higher prices, and delay the need to build new, expensive power plants. These efforts help conserve electricity today and for future generations.
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Can I save money using the Energy Optimizer program?
You can save energy when you program your thermostat to set temperatures back during times when you are away from home and at night. Energy Star® programmable thermostats save approximately 20 percent with proper use. For more information, visit www.energystar.gov
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What are the "recommended settings" for cooling in the summertime?
Suggested settings for optimum savings:
Monday - Friday
Wake: 7 a.m. = 78 degrees
Leave: 9 a.m. = 80 degrees
Return: 7 p.m. = 78 degrees
Sleep: 10 p.m. = 80 degrees
Saturday & Sunday
Wake: 7 a.m. = 78 degrees
Sleep: 10 p.m. = 80 degrees
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I no longer have Internet in my home. Can I still control my thermostat remotely?
Yes, Optimizer partners can logon to the secure Web site from any computer that has Internet access, such as at work, the library, a friend's home, or an Internet Cafe.
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If I temporarily lose power to my home, will the thermostat clock need resetting?
No. Back-up AA batteries maintain the thermostat clock and program. We recommend replacing the batteries yearly.
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If I lose power to the thermostat, will my HVAC system work?
No. If there is no power, the electric HVAC system will not operate. Once power returns, the thermostat will return the HVAC system to the pre-event settings.
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I checked online which said my home was set at 78 degrees. Then, when I arrived home, my thermostat read 74 degrees. What is wrong?
Any changes made using the Web site are maintained and displayed on the Web site. Changes made directly at the thermostat will not automatically update online settings. If you have questions about this function, please call our toll-free number, 866-882-4429 - to report the problem.
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My thermostat display is flashing between the temperature and a message to call an 800 number. What does this mean?
A problem has occurred with the connections of the programmable thermostat and may be causing a problem with the settings, or may prevent you from changing the settings online. Please call the Energy Optimizer toll-free number 866-882-4429.
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Can I change my thermostat during a summer control event?
Any changes that customers make to their settings during the cycling or ramping event (four hours or less), will not immediately take affect. The new settings will go into effect at the end of the control period. There is an exception. If the customer decides to turn off the A/C or raise the temperature during a control period, resulting in less energy use, the change will be accepted by the thermostat.
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Can you tell what the actual temperature of my house is set?
No. Only you will know what temperature your house is at from the display on the thermostat. We will send a signal that adjusts the temperature setting from the lowest setting at the time of a cycling event.
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If I change my thermostat setting from the Web site, how long does it take to be displayed on my thermostat?
The average time is less than one minute.
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How do I know that KCP&L is sending a signal to my thermostat?
The word SAVING will be lit on the thermostat's display screen during the cycling period.
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How will KCP&L know what my thermostat settings are?
KCP&L has no way of knowing what customers program manually at their thermostats.
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How do I request that my equipment not be controlled for a particular date?
Optimizer Partners can opt out once per month. If you would like to opt out on a particular date, you can either call our toll-free number 866-882-4429, or logon to your account at www.kcpl.com and select the Energy Optimizer link.
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If I am unhappy with the Energy Optimizer, can I stop being part of the program?
Yes. If you are not satisfied for any reason please call our toll-free number at 1 866-882-4429 to speak with a representative. We can arrange to send someone to your home or business to replace the Optimizer thermostat with your original thermostat, at no cost to you.
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Do I have to adjust my thermostat or change other settings to participate in the program?
No. Participating in the program is easy. Our only request is that you allow KCP&L to send a signal to your thermostat during peak summer weekdays, never on weekends or holidays, for a maximum of 4 hours at a time.
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I am at work and my child is ill at home. I don't want KCP&L to control my thermostat while she is sick. What do I need to do?
You can opt out from that day's event and initiate a temporary temperature setting from the "Manual Schedule" screen via the Web site. You can also call an Energy Optimizer representative at 1 866-882-4429 to do this for you.
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My A/C unit needs to be serviced, repaired or tested. What do I need to do to temporarily disable the Energy Optimizer from the power saving schedule?
Call an Energy Optimizer representative at 1 866-882-4429 to suspend the cycling schedule for that day.
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Does the thermostat address daylight savings time?
The Honeywell thermostat does not automatically change for daylight savings time. Therefore, you must manually reset the clock. Select the "Set Clock/Day" feature on your thermostat to make the change.
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How much wall space will I need for the new thermostat?
The Energy Optimizer thermostat will be installed where your current thermostat is located. You will need an area approximately 5" high by 8" wide? (Thermostat measures 4"H by 7"W.)
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Who do I call when I have questions or problems?
Any question can be directed to the Energy Optimizer Call Center at 1 866-882-4429.
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Energy Optimizer program information
Find additional answers at the Energy Star site.
