Human Factors Related to Programmable Thermostats: Consumers Knowledge and Perceptions Related to Product Use and Hazards

This study sought to identify consumers’ knowledge and practice with respect to residential thermostats and the hazard associated with their use and potential misuse. The study was a result of a forensic assignment involving a defective thermostat that allowed a furnace to continue running unchecked after its batteries died causing an extreme temperature elevation within the home resulting in damage to the interior of the home. Home owners in the development of the incident property were surveyed via telephone with regards to their use, understanding, and appreciation of the risks associated with their thermostats. The majority of the respondents had the same brand and model thermostat as the incident home. The results indicate that a majority of the respondents did not understand how their thermostats worked and were not aware that their thermostats were battery powered or that there was a need to change the batteries on a regular basis. Respondents did not appreciate the risk of property damage that could occur if the batteries in the thermostat ran low or died. Most of the respondents indicated giving little or no thought to their thermostats. The consequences of user’s reliance on everyday household products to work as they are supposed to are discussed with respect to product safety and design.