Your thermostat allows you to control your home’s heating and cooling system. There are two basic types of thermostats- non-programmable or manual thermostats and programmable thermostats.
A non-programmable thermostat is the most basic option that allows you to simply turn on the heating and cooling equipment, operate the system fan, and set the temperature. All the adjustments are made manually. On the other hand, a programmable thermostat allows you to create a pre-set heating and cooling schedule. For example, your thermostat can be programmed with one temperature setting for the daytime and one for the night. Obviously, there are several benefits of installing a programmable thermostat in your home, including:
Cost savings
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, you can save almost 10% annually on heating and cooling just by turning your thermostat up or down 7-8 degrees, depending on the weather, for 8 hours a day from the normal setting.
During winter, homeowners can save energy by setting the thermostat to about 68 degrees during the day and lowering it when they are asleep or not at home. You can do the same during summer as well.
Set the thermostat a few degrees higher when not at home. While this can be done manually, a programmable thermostat can do this more effectively by returning the temperatures to normal before you return home.
Precise temperature control
Programmable thermostats allow more precise temperature control compared to manual thermostats. Manual thermostats may have up to a 5-degree variance between the temperatures you have set on the thermostat and the temperature inside your home.
This will not only affect your comfort but energy use as well. On the other hand, a programmable thermostat has less than half a degree variance. So, you can stay assured that your indoor temperature will be the exact same as you want it to be. During cold winter days, when the temperature outside is unbearable, having a consistent indoor temperature can create a feeling of comfort inside the home.
Increased lifespan of your HVAC system
When your HVAC system runs continuously without a break, it may get over-strained. Over time, this wear and tear can shorten its lifespan. A programmable thermostat allows you to operate the HVAC system only when you need it.
For example, you can keep it turned off when you are away and program it to turn off or increase/reduce the temperature before you are back home. This way, you can take some pressure off the HVAC system and still find your home comfortable when you return home. This can also save you from extra HVAC repair and maintenance costs.
Convenience
One of the biggest benefits of having a programmable thermostat is that you don’t have to spend a lot of time adjusting your thermostat. With a manual thermostat, it takes time and practice to set different temperatures for different times of the day (if at all you bother to do it).
You have to readjust the thermostat every time you return home or go to sleep. A programmable thermostat eliminates the need to adjust temperature multiple times. You can simply do it once per season and forget about it.
Advanced features
Some programmable thermostats come with advanced features and functionality, such as Wi-Fi capability. There are programmable thermostats that connect to your mobile device and let you change the settings remotely via an app.
Installing a programmable thermostat can offer many benefits, such as convenience, energy efficiency, cost savings, and above all, peace of mind. If you, too, want to enjoy the comfort and convenience of a programmable thermostat in your home, get in touch with our team now.