A programmable thermostat can be programmed and configured using a set up selector keys or pushbuttons to enter set up modes and to move from screen to screen on the thermostat display, and using up and down selector keys to change the time and temperature settings within each screen or mode. The thermostat can be set into a master mode be depressing two of the selector keys simultaneously, and then the programmed settings of the thermostat can be electronically transferred to each of a batch of similar thermostats using a thermostat conductor in a multi-conductor thermostat wire such as the fan conductor. The thermostat can be toggled back to a normal or target mode for thermostat operation.