A thermostat is a small part of your HVAC system that plays a vital role in heating or cooling your room to the right degree at the right time. It tells your AC how cool it should get, how long it should run, and when it should cycle back when it gets too cold.
When the room’s temperature gets warmer or colder than it should be, the thermostat kicks in. It directly regulates the desired temperature of the room, keeping it consistent. If it is broken or malfunctioning, you will find that the room is too warm or too cold for comfort, and that will not change either.
The thermostat also helps your HVAC system conserve energy. When the desired temperature is achieved, the thermostat cycles by turning off the cooling and beginning again as needed. This process lessens the strain on the air conditioner, thereby cutting energy costs.
Many older households are still using manual or non-programmable thermostats. Non-programmable thermostats still have some merits. Older manual thermostats tend to be more robust and last longer than the newer electronic programmable types. One drawback, however, is the need to always change the temperature manually. Not only is it inconvenient, but it is also less efficient.
Therefore, upgrading to a programmable or smart thermostat will likely make a big difference in terms of energy and money savings. It would mean better AC efficiency and less energy consumption.
Non-Programmable Thermostats Can Cost You
With a manual thermostat, you cannot always pinpoint exactly how warm it is and what settings your AC should be in. A 1-degree difference in temperature can already mean less or more energy consumption. Since additional energy could be used, your bill can increase dramatically.
Manual thermostats, being cheaper than programmable and smart thermostats, may seem to make sense in the beginning. But since they are not as precise in terms of accuracy, you could possibly be paying more than what you should be paying to get that desired cooling comfort.
Manual, non-programmable thermostats lack many of the newer features of programmable and smart thermostats, which actually enhance cooling efficiency and consistency.
Upgrade to a Programmable Thermostat and Save
A programmable or setback thermostat is designed to adjust to preassigned temperature settings that turn on at different times. Unlike the manual type, a programmable thermostat automatically sets your temperature how and when you want it.
Programmable Thermostat Advantages
There are several advantages to using programmable thermostats that far outweigh the disadvantages.
Adjustable
You can program the thermostat to the exact degree of your desired temperature, and it also runs automatic adjustments depending on the present climate.
Programmed to fit your lifestyle
You can program the thermostat to run automatically, depending on whether you are in or out of the house. You can even program the AC to turn on 30 minutes before you come home so that the room is already cool when you arrive.
Reduces energy bills
When you program your AC for comfort and convenience, you subsequently reduce costs, as the AC is only on when you are home. You can pair your programmable thermostat with zoning systems to cut costs further.
Reduces repair bills
If you have an older HVAC system, upgrading your thermostat can optimize and extend its life. This will reduce wear and tear, eliminating the need for constant repair and other maintenance costs.
Programmable Thermostat Disadvantages
For some reason, some owners do not or don’t know how to program them, rendering many of their benefits useless. A good Green Apple HVAC technician will show you how to program them upon installation. Programmable thermostats are slightly more expensive than manual types, but their efficiency makes up for it.
Upgrade to Smart Thermostats
A smart thermostat allows the owner to set automatic and preselected temperature settings based on their schedule and the home’s heating or cooling needs. Some models even automatically adjust to weather conditions. Many newer models also connect to the internet via Wi-Fi.
Smart Thermostat Advantages
For homeowners who want long-term energy savings, upgrading to smart thermostats can save money for years. Smart thermostats eventually automate your HVAC system’s heating and cooling processes as they learn about your usage habits.
Programmable
You can program the smart thermostat according to your specifications, but it will mostly begin to learn about your usage habits and adjust accordingly.
Learns your Habits
There will be no more reprogramming to make fine adjustments, as the device will do it on its own. The temperature will be based on your preferences, whether you are sleeping or out of the house.
Ease of Control
Smart thermostats have digitized control formats, with touch screens and bright, easy-to-read LED displays.
Device Compatibility
Modern thermostats are already standard in terms of compatibility with other devices. You can control your thermostat from your phone, whether you’re in the bedroom, outside of the house, or even at work.
Saves energy
Its automatic feature of decreasing use when nobody is home at night is a significant example of how smart thermostats can save money. According to the EPA, switching to a modern thermostat is estimated to save 5-15% on your energy bills.
Saves repair bills
Pairing your older HVAC with a smart thermostat will optimize and maximize its remaining service life.
Smart Thermostat Disadvantages
Smart thermostats could be challenging for people who are not tech-savvy or don’t understand smartphones. They can also be an expensive investment. However, with continued use, the initial cost will eventually be offset in the long run.
Upgrade Your Thermostat Today
Upgrading your thermostat will allow you to enjoy energy savings, which will directly translate to money savings. We highly recommend replacing your manual thermostat with a programmable or smart one. If you want to reduce energy bills while increasing convenience and comfort, better HVAC components, such as the modern thermostat, can achieve this.
Green Apple Mechanical and Plumbing are the experts you can trust. We have served the New Jersey area for years with professionalism and expertise. Customer service and care are always our number one priorities. If you have any questions or concerns regarding any of your HVAC or plumbing needs, call us today toll-free at 888-611-7191
