From MSCO Heating & Air – Programmable Thermostats Explained
Before describing some of the many benefits of a programmable thermostat, it would be helpful to explain this type of thermostat.
So, what is a programmable thermostat? It’s the type of thermostat that allows the homeowner to set varying temperatures for different times of the day or night, and the thermostat will make these adjustments automatically for you.
For example, you can program a temperature setting for the times you are home and a different setting for those times when you’re away at work, at school, or away for an extended period. During the “away times,” your home does not have to stay as cool or as warm as when you’re there.
In contrast, with older, non-programmable thermostats (also known as manual thermostats) you have to adjust the temperature manually. There is no automatic changing of temperature settings for different times of the day or night. However, some non-programmable thermostats come with modern touches like a digital display and a touchscreen.
4 Big Benefits
With these words of introduction, here are four primary benefits programmable thermostats offer.
1) Automation and convenience
With a manual thermostat you either had to leave your system running all day, even while away, or adjust it when you leave and readjust when you returned home. In contrast, with a programmable thermostat, you can input the varying temperatures, and the thermostat does all the work for you.
2) Saves money through reduced energy usage
Does a programmable thermostat save money? You bet it does! Instead of cooling or heating your home at the same temperature at all hours of the day, as we’ve said, you can input different temperature settings that conform to your daily schedule.
That means you’ll be able to save energy and energy costs with your customized cooling and heating settings. Your energy savings will easily offset the minimal cost of making this upgrade to your HVAC system.
3) Added savings through zoning
A zoning system divides your home into different areas that may have different heating and cooling needs. If you pair a zoning system with a programmable thermostat, you can automate each area’s temperature setting and save even more money on utilities.
4) Extended life of your HVAC system
With your variable temperature settings, your HVAC system doesn’t have to work as hard to maintain constant temperatures 24 hours a day. That not only reduces your utility bills but helps prolong the life of your HVAC system by, in effect, reducing its workload.
Different Types of Programmable Thermostats
When it comes to programmable thermostats, you have a number of options, and some of the more common include the following.
- 5-2 programmable thermostats – With this option, you can program one set of temperatures for weekdays and a different set for the weekends.
- 5-1-1 programmable thermostats – You can set temperatures for weekdays, a separate set for Saturdays, and still another for Sundays.
- 7-day thermostats – These allow you to set different temperatures for each day of the week.
- Smart thermostat – These are probably the most popular type of programmable thermostat. They’re Wi-Fi enabled, giving you the ability to adjust your home’s temperature from any place in the world where you have an internet connection, using your smartphone or computer.
Contact Your Heating & Air Specialists at MSCO
In sum, a programmable thermostat provides not only personal convenience but saves on energy bills and prolongs the life of your HVAC system.
For over 60 years, MSCO Heating & Air has provided outstanding HVAC maintenance and replacement services to the residents of the greater Virginia Beach area, and if you’re interested in enhancing your HVAC system through the installation of a programmable thermostat, we hope you’ll give us a call.
We’ll be glad to answer any questions you may have and help you select the thermostat that best meets your needs.
Give us a call today, and let’s start making some plans!
