Be Energy Efficient with a New Thermostat

Perhaps, the most essential feature of your central air conditioning and heating system is the thermostat. It is the brains of the entire operation instructing the system when to cycle on and off to maintain the desired temperature setting. Without a reliable or accurate thermostat, your energy bills will be higher, your AC will not perform efficiently, and your indoor temperature may not be as comfortable as you would like.  In many cases, improving energy efficiency, system performance, and comfort is as simple as replacing the thermostat in your home.

Manual Thermostats

Old-fashioned manual thermostats are commonly found in older homes. These simple analog instruments have a clock-like face with two needles. One needle indicates the current temperature, and the second needle is the temperature setting. Manually moving the dial to the left or right adjusts the temperature setting. Although they are simple instruments, manual thermostats are not as precise as programmable thermostats. As a result, manual thermostats are being phased out for more convenient and energy-efficient programmable and smart digital thermostats.

Programmable Thermostats

The digital revolution during the late ’90s and early 2000s modernized the HVAC industry with the introduction of digital programmable thermostats. Thanks to digital technology, programmable thermostats are extremely precise, making it easy for homeowners to control the indoor temperature for maximum comfort and energy efficiency. With a programmable thermostat, homeowners can have one temperature setting for when they are home and a higher temperature setting when they leave the residence. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, setting a higher temperature when away from home on warm days can cut energy costs by 10 percent. That’s up to a $180 annual savings for homeowners in Winter Haven.

Smart Thermostats

Smart thermostats are the wave of the future elevating energy efficiency and HVAC performance to a new level and are replacing many manual and programmable thermostats. Wi-fi-enabled smart thermostats are devices that allow homeowners to control their central air and heating system and monitor energy usage from any smartphone, tablet, or desktop computer. Homeowners can schedule multiple temperature settings for different days and times to automatically control indoor air temperature when at home, sleeping, or away from home for maximum energy efficiency and performance without sacrificing comfort. In addition, smart thermostats with geofencing technology automatically sense when homeowners are returning home, automatically adjusting the indoor temperature accordingly for their arrival. Energy reports provide energy usage, system performance, and filter replacement alerts.

Choosing the Right Thermostat for Your Home

Choosing the right thermostat for your home is the key to maximizing energy efficiency and AC performance. However, it requires consideration of several factors, such as your home’s electrical configuration and whether you have a one-stage or two-stage HVAC unit. So, it’s best to consult with a heating and cooling expert like Florida Air Express in the Winter Haven-Lakeland area to determine which thermostats are compatible with your AC system. Our trained technician will review your HVAC system and let you know which thermostat is the right solution for improving energy efficiency in your home.