Learn the Importance of HVAC Thermostat Maintenance
California is known for its sun and beaches, Disney, and Hollywood. But do you think about needing air conditioning or heating while there? Probably not, but just like homes all across the country, even homes in Orange, California will need a working thermostat.
What is the Thermostat Used For?
A thermostat is a device or an instrument that maintains the temperature within given limits. It turns the air conditioning or heating off when the set temperature is reached.
There are different types of thermostats, such as the one you use for roasting that Thanksgiving Turkey, or the one in your car that tells you that it’s overheating.
But in this article, we’re going to focus on the different types of thermostats available for homes.
What are The Different Types of Thermostats for the Home?
There are four types of thermostats used in homes today. They can range in pricing from very inexpensive to very expensive, with each one having a different level of energy efficiency. Those four basic types of thermostats are:
- Non-Programmable
If you’re home more than you’re not, a non-programmable thermostat is a perfect thermostat for your home. The temperature is adjusted manually to your ideal preference. This is the most basic of thermostats.
- Programmable
A programmable thermostat allows you the ability to pre-program the temperature based on when you’re home and at night. These thermostats can be set for each day of the week, and this saves the air conditioning or heating from working when you’re not there, decreasing the wear and tear of the thermostat, reducing your energy bills, and minimizing the need for HVAC repairs.
- Wi-Fi
If you have a computer, smartphone, or tablet, you probably have other devices connected for wireless control. The thermostat in your home can be connected with these types of thermostats so you can access it via a wireless network. This enables the ability to adjust the temperature while you’re away, even overriding the programmed setting if desired.
- Smart
The smart thermostat integrates with other automation tools and equipment in your home, learning your lifestyle habits, then adjusting the temperature accordingly. It recognizes your family’s patterns and stores that information to provide maximum efficiency with your cooling and heating.
A commonly asked question about home thermostats is, “Should I leave the thermostat at a constant temperature?”, and the answer to that may surprise you!
No! By leaving your thermostat at a constant temperature 24/7/365, it is wasting energy and money and wearing the HVAC system out sooner than needed.
The thermostat should be adjusted down or up according to the weather. The excerpts at Energy Star recommend setting the thermostat between 70 degrees and 78 degrees, then raising it another 8 degrees when you’re not going to be home.
How Much Money Will a New Thermostat Save Me?
This is another commonly asked question because most of us think, “If it’s working, leave it alone.”. This makes sense, but what if it isn’t working at full capacity?
A new thermostat will save you money, but there are other factors that play into this too, such as:
- The age of your HVAC system
- The insulation in your attic
- The age and condition of the windows
- The number of people living in the household
- Where you live and your family’s lifestyle
How Can You Cool or Heat Your Home Without Replacing the Thermostat?
Sometimes, there isn’t any spare money for something like a new thermostat, especially when the current one is working! So, here are a few things you can do to maintain a comfortable level in your home:
- Seal the drafty areas like doors and windows in the winter to keep the cold out and the heat in.
- In the winter, wear layers even inside the house, and in the winter, wear light colors and fewer layers.
- Use the ceiling fans! Change the direction they are turning based on the season to help regulate the comfort level in each room.
- Have a professional HVAC inspection performed annually.
- Change the filter every 30 days.
- Keep the outside component of your HVAC system free of any debris, dirt, and grass that gets sucked up against it.
Can I Install My Own Thermostat Replacement?
If you’re a handy DIY homeowner, absolutely! They come with full instructions and there are countless videos online that can walk you through the process.
Of course, having it done by a professional will ensure that it is done correctly, should have a warranty on the work, and will minimize any chance of something getting shorted out. If you have a regular HVAC technician that does your annual inspections, inquire what they charge to upgrade the current thermostat.
Keeping It Cozy!
Your home is an investment and the HVAC system is an investment to that investment. Consider replacing your current thermostat with a newer one as an investment that will provide your ROI with lower utility bills and a comfortable home.