A Money Saver – Making the Switch to a Programmable Thermostat
The most basic way to make sure you’re operating a central air conditioning unit to the best of its ability is to change your system’s filters out on a consistent basis. It’s the most obvious and highly recommended tip you’ll find in advice articles related to HVAC. But it’s hardly the only step. Another tip revolves around keeping up with the latest technology – meaning that you can get rid of your old thermostat and instead opt to replace it with one that’s programmable. Not only will this make your central air conditioning system easier to control, it will also save you money on your energy bills. Below we provide some important things to know about programmable thermostats and some upsides to making the switch:
HVAC Management & Cost Savings
How is a programmable thermostat superior compared to one that’s not? For one thing, you won’t have to cool your empty living space while you’re not actually there. This is accomplished because the programmable thermostat allows the user to set a preferred temperature for certain times of the day and night – allowing you to make your A/C emit cooler air when you’re expecting it to be hotter outside. By not having your A/C running on max all the time when it’s not needed, you’ll also be able to cut down significantly on your utility bills.
Costs of Buying One
Programmable thermostats are relatively affordable, although pricing can range dependent upon the brand and thermostat type. Typically, however, the most affordable options appear to cost $25 on average. Home improvement stores like Lowes and the Home Depot offer a range of brands like Honeywell, Lux and Cadet. If you’d like to get really advanced and have a larger budget, you can even find a home thermostat that connects to your home WI-FI, allowing you to monitor your HVAC system via an app through tablet or smartphone.
Installation
If you’re taking matters into your own hands and willing to attempt the installation of a programmable thermostat yourself, you’ll want to make sure that you turn all your electricity off via your home’s circuit breaker or fuse box. You’ll also want to remove the old thermostat while keeping important wiring intact. As always, refer to any directions that might come with the product. And if in doubt, consult a professional and skilled technician who can install the new thermostat for you.