Programmable thermostats save money, make your home more comfortable and extend the life of your heating and cooling system. That manual thermostat you may still be relying on contains technology that dates to the 1930s and conserves energy about as efficiently as a furnace from that era. No matter how much attention you devote to manual temperature control, you can’t do a better job of keeping temperatures consistent and reducing operating costs than a digital programmable thermostat.
Like any advancement, however, reaping all the benefits of programmed temperature settings requires navigating a learning curve. Here are some general guidelines to help you get the most from upgrading to programmable thermostats:
- Choose an installation location on an interior wall. Ideally, the thermostat should be removed from heating and cooling vents, major appliances, large lights, exterior doorways, fireplaces and any areas that receive get direct sunlight.
- Program the thermostat to maintain a consistent energy-saving temperature for long spans of time, such as during daylight hours when the house is unoccupied or at night when everyone’s asleep.
- The thermostat comes with pre-programmed settings engineered to strike a balance between comfort and efficiency. To reap maximum energy savings and lower operating costs, avoid over-riding these settings.
- Use the “hold” setting to keep a consistent temperature 24/7 while you’re out of town for a few days. Many programmable models incorporate a dedicated “vacation” function for that purpose.
- If you have a zoning system, maximize the potential energy savings by installing a dedicated programmable thermostat in each individual zone. Program temperature settings appropriate to the activities and occupancy schedule in each zone.
- If the thermostat runs on batteries, remember to change them every year.
- If both heating and cooling are provided by a heat pump, you’ll need a thermostat specifically designed for heat pumps. Ask your HVAC contractor for recommendations.
To learn about more ways you can benefit from the energy-savings and comfort control offered by programmable thermostats, in Tampa contact Senica Air Conditioning, Inc. Inc.