Protect your home and, more importantly, your family from extreme temperatures by installing a high-grade thermostat. It will result in greater energy efficiency, cost savings, and whole-home comfort. Keep reading to learn more about the key role thermostats play in home safety and comfort, as well as how to choose the right one for your home.
Home cooling and heating are only possible with thermostats. By offering maximum temperature control, these devices keep your home comfortable year-round while helping you achieve optimal energy efficiency.
This increased energy efficiency has both environmental and economic benefits. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that homeowners and renters can save up to 10% annually on energy bills by increasing or decreasing the thermostat setting by 7° or 10°F when they’re away or asleep.
Choosing the rite thermostat for your home setup and temperature needs is important. Follow these three simple steps to determine which thermostat is best for you.
Today’s thermostats are so advanced that they not only control temperature but can also monitor and control your energy consumption and play music. Some are even equipped with Amazon™ Alexa™ technology. There are many manufacturers and types of thermostats available. Before you start shopping, decide exactly what you’re looking for to narrow your search. Do you want something simple, high-tech, or somewhere in the middle?
Listed below are the four main types of thermostats. We’ve also included a few recommendations for thermostats that our clients prefer.
Manual: A manual thermostat features basic functions that allow you to change settings manually on the device. Manual thermostats have the cheapest upfront cost but produce higher monthly energy bills. They also offer the least accurate temperature control, sometimes reading five to ten degrees off. Some homeowners enjoy how simple manual thermostats are. Believe it or not, the Honeywell Round Manual Thermostat that was introduced in the 1950s is still produced today. It features a large digital readout and wifi capability.
Programmable: A programmable thermostat gives you more control over your home’s temperature by enabling you to set cooling schedules. You can schedule the temperature to increase a few degrees while you’re away to conserve energy and decrease again soon before you return so it’s comfortable the second you walk in the door. Programmable thermostats—like the Honeywell Programmable Thermostat—save you money on monthly energy bills by being more energy-efficient than their manual counterparts.
Smart: Smart thermostats have the same function as programmable thermostats but enable you to control them remotely from electronic devices. They also allow for optimal energy efficiency. This thermostat type has the highest upfront cost but saves the most money on monthly energy bills. Our customers recommend the Ecobee smart thermostats.
Communicating: The Carrier Infinity One Touch thermostat offers ultimate control over the temperature and humidity levels. As part of a complete, communicating Infinity® system, this smart control takes full advantage of the best technology Carrier has to offer. Taking your comfort well beyond temperature control, the Infinity System Control manages humidity levels, airflow, ventilation, and indoor air quality in up to eight cooling zones. You can control your home’s temperature from any location with a connected smartphone or tablet. This communicating thermostat is also compatible with Amazon™ Alexa™ technology.
Your thermostat should:
Programmable and smart thermostats offer many features that allow you to customize programming options and control other HVAC products. Some of the features available are:
Most digital thermostats last an average of ten years. However, with all the innovations in the industry, thermostats are often replaced before they reach the end of their life.
Sometimes it’s hard to know when you should replace your thermostat. Anytime you replace your air conditioner or furnace is a good time to update your thermostat as well, given it’s the control center of your cooling and heating system.
If your air conditioner or furnace experiences issues, the thermostat may be to blame. Thermostats can fail for a number of reasons, including loose wires and dead batteries. If your air conditioner stops working, try these steps to get it back up and running. If the issue persists, call an Air-Rite Heating & Cooling technician to diagnose the problem and offer a solution.
Looking to enhance your home’s heating and cooling capabilities? Consider upgrading to one of the Honeywell, Ecobee, or Carrier Infinity Touch thermostats we offer. Featuring wifi-enabled remote access, these devices allow you to manage everything from temperature to ventilation for up to eight zones. The Infinity Touch Control thermostat is the leader in hassle-free home temperature control.
As your trusted local HVAC contractor, Air-Rite Heating & Cooling has a team of experienced technicians who are equipped to install your thermostat of choice. We offer comprehensive services for additional HVAC-related issues—such as clogged air filters, dirty coils, and ignition problems. Contact us today to schedule an expert service or thermostat installation.