Discover the difference a programmable thermostat can make in your home.
Programmable Thermostat Benefits. Thermostat technology has advanced in recent years, bringing a host of advantages to homeowners everywhere. Programmable thermostats and smart thermostats have helped make HVAC systems more efficient and flexible to individual schedules and needs. Programmable thermostats are easy to install in your home and are simple to use. Read on to learn about the top five benefits having a programmable thermostat will bring you.
1. Save Money
Heating and cooling your home is a big job, and even a slight adjustment in the temperature settings of your home's thermostat can make a big difference in both the atmosphere and your utility bill. Many sources assert that you can save two or three percent on your energy bills for every temperature degree. So, in the winter, if you keep your thermostat at 72 rather than 73, you could see three percent in energy savings. Likewise, in the summer, if you keep your thermostat at 76 rather than 75, you save. Some in the HVAC community have calculated even greater savings with the temperature difference for air conditioning in the summer.
Just as one degree can make a considerable difference in your gas and electric bills, so can it cause a detectable difference in the comfort of you and your family inside your home. This is where the programmable thermostat comes in. It's always a good practice to turn your thermostat up or down even a little bit to conserve energy and save money, but one can only go so far until it gets uncomfortably hot or cold. With a programmable thermostat, you can set it to a temperature that doesn't require your A/C or heater to work so hard during times of the day when you are not home, and make sure it's set to something a little more bearable when your family is around.
2. Consistent Temperature
Consistency is one of the features for which programmable thermostats are best known. You, your family, and your guests will enjoy the benefit of a truly controlled climate in your home. With a manual thermostat, you may go back and forth throughout the day trying to find the perfect temperature. The A/C stops running and you get hot, so set it to a lower temperature and it starts blowing at full force. The next thing you know, you're too cold. You can get trapped in this dance with your thermostat all day long.
A programmable thermostat can be likened to the cruise control function on a car. In a car, you find the speed you like, and set your car to continue at that same speed, whether you're going up a hill or hauling a heavy load. Your car makes the necessary adjustments to keep you moving at a consistent speed. The engine may push harder at some points to keep it moving, and at other points, the throttle is reduced to keep the car from exceeding the set speed.
Similarly, with a programmable thermostat, all you have to do is set it once to the temperature you like. The thermostat does all the work. It will monitor conditions and kick on when it detects that it's necessary. When the desired temperature has been reached, it will stop running until it needs to again. This keeps your home at a nice consistent temperature and saves you the hassle.
3. Scheduling Flexibility
Today's world is hectic and busy. We all have full schedules, and they don't always follow a neat pattern from day to day. There are different kinds of programmable thermostats available to meet your specific needs and to follow your unique schedule.
- 7-Day – With a 7-day thermostat, you can program it to follow a different schedule every day of the week.
- 5+2 – A 5+2 thermostat allows you to program it for one schedule throughout the five day work week and another schedule for the two day weekends.
- Smart – Smart thermostats are Wi-Fi capable, allowing you to set it remotely from a mobile phone or computer. If you have an irregular schedule or are prone to forgetting things (like setting your thermostat when you leave home), this solution is tailor-made for you. Some smart thermostats, like the Nest Pro, include an interactive desktop and mobile app that allows you to track your energy consumption and provides energy-efficient suggestions. Some smart thermostats are considered "learning" smart thermostats, as they learn your preferences and patterns and use the information to self-program.
- Heat-Pump Specific – If you have a heat pump system, you should find a smart thermostat that is specifically designed for a heat-pump home. These thermostats are designed to be cost-effective for the special considerations of heat-pump home heating.
In addition to a weekly schedule, your programmable thermostat can be set to different settings at different times of the day. This allows you to take advantage of things like the position of the sun to help warm your home in the winter, and the brisk nights to help cool your home in the summer.
4. Energy Efficiency
One of the most significant benefits of your programmable thermostat is increasing the energy efficiency of your household. The ability of your system to automatically adjust and be set to different temperatures at different times of the day, days of the week, and even in different areas throughout your house saves you money by reducing the amount of energy it takes to keep your home heated and cooled comfortably. The ability to maintain a consistent temperature in your home also protects your HVAC system from wear and tear that occurs over time. It keeps your system healthy and allows your home to more effectively consume its resources.
5. System Optimization
Over time, your home will inevitably need a new furnace, air conditioner unit, or other HVAC appliances. Replacing your home's HVAC system is no small project. While sometimes a new furnace or new A/C installation is the best or only option, consider whether changing your thermostat could solve your problem and meet your needs. Especially if you live in an older home, you probably feel that your HVAC system is not running as well as it should and doesn't keep you as comfortable as you'd like. Replacing your thermostat is relatively inexpensive and easy to do, and can make a big difference. A smart thermostat can couple with an older system to boost its abilities and allow it to perform at a higher level.
Get a Programmable Thermostat Now
Now that you are familiar with some of the five best benefits of having a programmable thermostat, get a programmable thermostat for your home today. Consult with one of the qualified HVAC professionals at Weis Comfort Systems. We will help you understand your household's needs, advise you on the best thermostat products for you, and help you successfully integrate it into your existing HVAC system. Call us at the location nearest you, contact us online, or visit our website for more information and to find the best programmable thermostat for you.
