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5 programmable thermostats you can find for $30 or less

You don't actually have to dish out hundreds for basic HVAC automation. Here are 5 models for $30 or less.

Megan Wollerton
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1 of 15 Chris Monroe/CNET

5 thermostats you can afford today

You don't have to spend a ton of cash on a new thermostat. Here are five basic programmable models that cost $30 or less.

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2 of 15 Tyler Lizenby/CNET

Hunter 44157

The Hunter 44157 thermostat costs $25.

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3 of 15 Tyler Lizenby/CNET

Hunter 44157

It requires two AA batteries to power the display.

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4 of 15 Chris Monroe/CNET

Hunter 44157

Unfortunately, it buzzed every time I pressed a button.

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5 of 15 Tyler Lizenby/CNET

Lux TX500U

Lux's TX500U is slightly pricier at $30.

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6 of 15 Tyler Lizenby/CNET

Lux TX500U

The "Next" button on the bottom right side of the display makes it much easier to program this thermostat.

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7 of 15 Chris Monroe/CNET

Lux TX500U

I also like that it displays the ambient and set temperatures at the same time.

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8 of 15 Tyler Lizenby/CNET

White-Rodgers P200

The White-Rodgers P200 is available on Amazon for just $23.77.

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9 of 15 Chris Monroe/CNET

White-Rodgers P200

It comes with a 5-1-1 program so you can schedule Saturday and Sunday separately.

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10 of 15 Tyler Lizenby/CNET

Honeywell RTHL2310B

Honeywell's RTHL2310B costs $25.

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11 of 15 Tyler Lizenby/CNET

Honeywell RTHL2310B

It has a green backlight and all of the basics you need to program your heat and air conditioning.

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12 of 15 Chris Monroe/CNET

Honeywell RTHL2310B

The RTHL2310B's is pretty minimal, too.

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13 of 15 Tyler Lizenby/CNET

Emerson 1F78-151

You can find the Emerson 1F78-151 on Amazon for $26.02.

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14 of 15 Chris Monroe/CNET

Emerson 1F78-151

This model has fewer features than the competition, though, making it hard to recommend.

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15 of 15 Chris Monroe/CNET

Emerson 1F78-151

It doesn't even have a backlight to make it easier to see the display.

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