A thermostat is a small device that is part of your HVAC system that plays an important role in heating or cooling your home 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 temperature in the room gets warmer or colder than it should be, that’s when 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 wouldn’t 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 begins again as needed. This process lessens the strain on the aircon thereby cutting energy costs.
Many older households are still using manual or non-programmable thermostats. Non-programmable thermostats still have some merits of their own. 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 is also less efficient.
Therefore, an upgrade to a programmable or smart thermostat will likely make a big difference in terms of savings in energy and money. It would mean better AC efficiency and less energy consumption.
Non-Programmable Thermostats Can Cost You
With a manual thermostat, you really couldn’t 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 in energy consumption. Obviously, 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 it is not as precise in terms of accuracy, you could possibly be paying more than what you should be paying in terms of getting that desired cooling comfort.
Manual, non-programmable thermostats don’t have the many newer features of both programmable and smart thermostats. These features that non-programmable thermostats lack actually enhance cooling efficiency and consistency.
Upgrade to a Programmable Thermostat and Save
A programmable thermostat is designed to adjust to preassigned temperature settings that turn on at different times of the day. They are also known as setback thermostats. Unlike the manual type, a programmable thermostat conveniently sets your temperature the way you want when you want it, automatically.
Programmable Thermostat Advantages
There are several advantages to programmable thermostats that far outweigh the disadvantages of using them.
Adjustable
You can program the thermostat to the exact degree of your desired temperature, as they also run automatic adjustments on temperature depending on the present climate.
Programmed to fit your lifestyle
You can program the thermostat to automatically run 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 by the time you arrive, the room is already cool.
Reduces energy bills
As you program your AC for comfort and convenience, you subsequently reduce costs too as the AC is only on when you are home. You can also pair your programmable thermostat with zoning systems to further cut costs.
Reduces repair bills
If you have an older HVAC system, you can optimize and extend its life by getting a thermostat upgrade. This will reduce further wear and tear, thereby 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 Green Apple HVAC technician will show you how to program them upon installation. Programmable thermostats are slightly more expensive than the manual type but their efficiency makes up for it.
Upgrade to Smart Thermostats
A smart thermostat allows the owner to set both automatic and preselected temperature settings. These are based on his or her schedule, the home’s heating or cooling needs, and 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 to come. Smart thermostats eventually automate both the heating and cooling processes of your HVAC system as it learns about your usage habits.
Programmable
You can program the smart thermostat according to your specifications, but mostly it will begin to learn about your usage habits and adjust accordingly.
Learns your Habits
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 come in digitized control format complete with touch screens, as well as bright and easy-to-read LED displays.
Device Compatibility
Modern thermostats are already standard in terms of compatibility with other devices. Control your thermostat from your phone, whether you are in the bedroom, outside of the house, or even at work.
Saves energy
Its automatic feature of decreasing use when nobody is at home at night is a significant example of how smart thermostats can save you money. According to the EPA, it is estimated that you get to save 5-15% on your energy bills when you switch to a modern thermostat.
Saves repair bills
Pairing your older HVAC with a smart thermostat will not only optimize but will maximize its remaining service life.
Smart Thermostat Disadvantages
Smart thermostats could be a challenge to operate for people who are not tech-savvy or don’t understand smartphones. Smart thermostats can also be an expensive investment. But 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 that directly translate to money savings. Replacing your manual thermostat with either a programmable or smart thermostat is a move that we highly recommend. If you are looking to reduce energy bills while increasing convenience and comfort, this can be achieved with the use of better HVAC components such as the modern thermostat.
If you live in New Jersey, the changing seasons and unpredictable weather can be too much for a manual thermostat. We specialize in comfort and can install high-tech, programmable thermostats and smart thermostats in your home. Call us today to learn more. Green Apple Mechanical NJ are the experts you can trust. We have been serving the New Jersey area for years with professionalism and expertise. Customer service and care are always our main priorities. If you have any questions or concerns regarding any of your HVAC needs call today toll-free at 888-611-7191
