Whether a home’s HVAC system needs to be made more efficient, or the home is being built from the ground up, programmable thermostats are an ideal choice. These Thermostats can be bought for a relatively low cost, and they can easily fit to a home’s current system. Before buying one of these devices, customers should consider the information below.
The Basics of Programmable Thermostats
An HVAC system’s thermostat is essentially its power switch. A basic thermostat allows the occupant to set an optimal temperature for the home, and it uses sensors to induce the HVAC system to keep the house at that temperature. Programmable thermostats allow homeowners to remotely control the system. As long as the home is connected to WiFi, the occupant can control the AC from any mobile device.
Programmable Thermostat Advantages
During the work and school days, many homes stand empty. Raising or lowering the setting on the thermostat during such times can reduce the time that the system operates. Most thermostats can make an average of six changes to a daily schedule. According to the DOE, every degree a system is raised during the summer (or lowered during the winter) can take about 1% off of a utility bill. By installing one of these thermostats, homeowners can save a substantial amount.
Programmable Thermostat Drawbacks
Despite the numerous advantages of programmable thermostat installation, there are some drawbacks to consider. It’s not advisable to install such a thermostat in a home equipped with a heat pump, like raising the setting in cooling mode saves money, but lowering it in heat mode can cause the pump to operate inefficiently. With a heat pump, the best choice is to find a comfortable setting and keep it there when the system is put into heat mode.
Fitting a programmable thermostat to an existing HVAC system or including it in a new installation can help homeowners save money while creating an optimal indoor environment. Programmable Thermostats can help to keep the home comfortable while maintaining the system’s efficiency. For help in choosing a programmable thermostat, visit Eastsideheating.com to consult a licensed HVAC technician today.
