Standard manual thermostats work well enough if you’re only interested in the most basic functions and don’t mind micromanaging the temperature controls. However, most people will notice a significant difference in their HVAC efficiency by upgrading their thermostat to a programmable, smart, or wifi option.
1. Energy Efficiency
One of the biggest, and most costly, issues with a manual thermostat is the fact that it doesn’t provide much customization. The temperature setting stays wherever you set it to last, so if you forget to turn the temperature up or down (depending on the season) before you head out for the day or go to sleep at night, your HVAC unit could be cranking out air unnecessarily. This wastes energy, which will add up on your monthly power bill.
2. Ease of Use
A digital programmable thermostat is just easier to use than a manual one. Once you’ve spent a small amount of time front loading a schedule into your thermostat, you almost never have to use it again. Each one is different, but many provide the option for a week long schedule, a weekday/weekend split, or even a weekday/Saturday/Sunday schedule. You can schedule the thermostat so that by the time you get home from work, it’s already at your prefered temperature, or so that when you wake up in the morning the temperature is warm enough for you to get ready for the day without feeling like you’re freezing. Either way, a programmable thermostat can be a big advantage if you’re a set it and forget it type of person.
3. Reduce Wear On Your HVAC Unit
If you’ve programmed your thermostat, you’ll be much less tempted to fiddle with it. Being on a set schedule means that your unit is only running when it needs to be running, which will prolong the life of your unit. When you constantly change the temperature you force the unit to start and stop unnecessarily, and if your unit is running when you aren’t even home you’re wearing it out without actually reaping the benefit of comfortable temperatures.
There are many options when you’re looking to upgrade your thermostat, from basic programmable digital thermostats, to smart and wifi options. The one that will be right for your home really depends on your needs and the way that your HVAC unit is set up, so it may be useful to contact your local HVAC professionals, like East Coast Heating & Air Conditioning, to get their opinion on what would work best for your home.
