Top 5 Programmable Thermostat Benefits
It Saves Money On Energy
A properly programmed thermostat during the heat of the summer and the cold of the winter can reduce energy cost up to 10% per year; and that adds up! A programmable thermostat adjusts the temperature during the times that your home is not occupied will not only keep you comfortable but also reduce wear and tear on your AC system, which will also save you money.
Prevents Overuse of your AC System
A programmable thermostat will reduce the amount of time your air conditioning system has to run to make your home comfortable once you arrive back home.
The pre programming of your arrival will reduce the stress on your AC system by preventing overuse at any given time.
Carrier Infinity Programmable Wi-Fi Thermostat
Convenience/Worry Free Living
A programmable thermostat allows you to focus on things that matter rather than worrying about adjusting the temperature every time you leave or arrive back home. You will rest easy knowing that your thermostat is working for you instead of you working for it.
Cool Your Home Quickly
It is a misconception that turning the temperature of your air conditioning thermostat to a lower than normal temperature will cool your home quicker. A thermostat set lower than normal doesn’t blow colder air at a higher rate…it will merely keep your AC unit running for a longer period of time until that lower temperature is ultimately reached.
Conversely, you will save money on energy and repair bills by programming your thermostat to run according to your schedule and by strategically adjusting the temperature during the times when your home is not occupied.
The Thermostat Sweet-Spot is +/- 5°
Here in Texas, manufacturers recommend that you only adjust your thermostat +/- 5 degrees from your normal settings while you are away from home to maintain maximum efficiency of your ac system. By maintaining this +/- 5 degree range, you will help avoid excessive wear on your system and increase the energy efficiency of your HVAC system.
When an HVAC system has to work too hard to cool or heat your home back to a comfortable temperature, the excess wear on the system can cause premature failure making an AC repair service call necessary.
Your Air Conditioner Can Only Do So Much
Here in Dallas during the peak of the summer, the outdoor temperatures will often reach above 90 degrees which means your AC system has to work harder to cool your home. However, your AC system will only cool an average insulated home 15-20 degrees cooler that the temperature outdoors.
So…if the outside temperature is 95°, a normal AC system will only be able to cool your home down to 75° or 80° no matter how low you set the thermostat. Furthermore, if you adjust your thermostat below that 15°-20° threshold, not only will your home not become more comfortable, but you will also risk damaging your air conditioner by making it run longer without benefit, possibly causing it to fail and ultimately requiring an AC Repair Service Call from a trusted source.
Should I Turn My AC Off While On Vacation?
If you are leaving your home for an extended period of time, like on vacation, it is tempting to turn your AC system off completely, after all, why would you cool a home that no one is in? On the surface, that makes sense, but in reality the answer is a bit more complex.
When you completely shut down your air conditioner, the interior temperature of your home will eventually equal the temperature outside. During the summer, that means everything in your home will retain the same temperature of the heat outside, including your furniture, your walls, your ceiling, your appliances, your clothing, your carpet, ect.
Prevent Overuse of your AC System
When you eventually return and turn your AC system back on, your air conditioner will have to run for an extended period of time not only to cool the air, but to also cool everything in your home back down to a comfortable temperature. This extended use can once again cause unnecessary damage to your HVAC system and cost you a lot more money on electricity or gas.
In addition, your refrigerator will also have to work much harder to keep your food cold and safe if the temperature in your home is excessive.
Maximize Efficiency and Comfort
To maximize energy efficiency and comfort in your home, experts recommend setting your thermostat between 78-80 degrees while you are home during the summer and between 68-70 degrees while home and awake during the winter.
Studies have found that a winter temperature of 68° is at the lower end of comfort for most people, and by maintaining that temperature during the winter while you are home will help reduce energy costs and increase the efficiency of your heating system. Besides, some people like to turn down the temperatures at night during the winter and snuggle up with blankets to keep themselves comfortable.
The Take Away
By maintaining that +/- 5° thermostat Sweet-Spot with a programmable thermostat will help reduce premature failure of your AC system, reduce energy costs, and keep yourself living in extreme comfort for seasons to come.
Current HVAC Repair and New AC Installation Specials
Click on the link below to find a list of our current HVAC Specials for AC Repair, Service, Maintenance, and Installation. Please feel free to contact us and let us help you find a special that is perfect for your Air Conditioning needs.