Keep You and Your Pocketbook Happy with a New Thermostat

Winter is on its way out, and thankfully, summer is on its way in. Are you and your heating and cooling system prepared for the switch? Keep your home comfortable affordably this summer season with the help of a new thermostat.

Thermostat seen better days?

Your thermostat is a key component of your heating and cooling, allowing you to maintain comfort levels in your home. But if your thermostat is reading the temperature wrong, it can’t do that. To make matters worse, constantly bumping the temperature up and down because you can’t get a reliable read costs you a great deal in wasted money and system wear-and-tear.

My old thermostat works fine… I think. Why do I need a new one?

Today’s latest belle of the ball, the programmable thermostat, can offer even more in savings – and convenience – than its non-programmable cousins. Even if you don’t go with the latest and greatest thermostat technology, swapping out that old relic will offer you much more reliable temperature control and savings.

Perusing the thermostat aisle… Thermostat types:

Programmable

Programmable thermostats allow you to set it and forget it, automatically adjusting temperatures throughout the day and night. Very affordable, many can be had for well under $50. Honeywell, LuxPro, and White Rodgers make an array of options in each of the three programmable thermostat types:

• 7 day - For families whose schedules vary each day of the week.
• 5+2 day - For the typical 5 day work week/2 day weekend schedule.
• 5+1+1 - These models offer separate programming for each day of the weekend.

Learning/Smart

Learning or “smart” thermostats are programmable, but they do the programming for you, learning and saving your preferences as you use them. They can even be monitored and adjusted via Wi-fi from any computer or mobile device! They are slightly more expensive than programmable models and typically cost around $200, but offer far more features and convenience. The top three learning thermostats include:

NEST

Very efficient, with iPhone and Android compatibility, the NEST has a built-in motion sensor and programs itself just a week after “watching you.” It has no switches or buttons, just a twist and push menu.

Honeywell Prestige HD

The Prestige comes with step-by-step instructions for easy setup and features a large, high-def touchscreen. No installation manuals, though, so you’ll need a professional technician for installation.

Trane XL900

The XL900 offers more stages of heating and cooling than other models, and works well with both older and newer systems. It has a ten inch touchscreen, and programming is easy.

Digital Non-Programmable

These offer a solution for those preferring a digital non-programmable model. Three top-selling non-programmable thermostats include:

• White-Rodgers 1F86-0471
• Robertshaw RS4110
• Honeywell TH3110D1008

Mechanical/Manual

If you are home often or prefer a fixed temperature, a mechanical thermostat may work for you. Top selling mechanical thermostats include:

• LuxPro PSM40SA 24V Heating and Colling Thermostat
• Honeywell CT30A1005 Standard Manual Economy Thermostat
• White-Rodgers 1F56N-444 Mechanical Heat/Cool Thermostat

Outlet Thermostats

Outlet thermostats work just like traditional thermostats, allowing you to plug in – and dial in -  the perfect temperature on portable heating equipment like space heaters and window units.

Don’t just swap out your thermostat – swap out those settings too!

Making simple, seasonal adjustments to your home thermostat can put you and your bank account in a more comfortable situation. Aim settings for 78 degrees Fahrenheit in your home when the mercury rises this summer, keeping temperatures a little warmer while you are away. Then switch back to a setting of 68 when temperatures take a dip again next fall and winter. For every degree you set your thermostat back, you can save 1 percent of your energy bill. Turn it back 5-15 degrees for 8 hours a day, and we’re talking 5-15 percent savings per year. That’s a lot of dough!

Banish these thermostat blunders!

• Cranking the thermostat up or down a few extra degrees when the temperature spikes.
• Yo-yoing the temperature settings on your thermostat wastes energy and is tough on your system. Your thermostat’s job is to maintain your desired temperature, one it’s quite capable of - if you’ll let it.
• Trying to get your room to temperature more quickly by adjusting the temp.
• Your system is not a car, and your thermostat is not the gas pedal. Cranking the temperature up or down will not raise the temperature any sooner.
• Letting your system “maintain temperature” rather than turning it on and off.
• This actually costs you more. If you’re not there to benefit, turn your system off. This is where programmable and Smart thermostats pay off!

Ready for some “smart” savings? Contact Aire Serv® today!