Programmable Thermostats - are they worth it?

Programmable thermostats have recently become a hot commodity with homeowners and business owners alike. But are they really worth all the hype?

Let’s look at three reasons why you should definitely invest in a programmable thermostat for your home or business!

Reason #1: Save Money!

The most compelling reason to install a programmable thermostat is the positive effect it has on your wallet. It’s not likely we will see a change in the upward trend of energy prices. A programmable thermostat can reduce your energy usage and lower your monthly energy bill when used properly. So let’s look into how to properly set up and use all capabilities of your new programmable thermostat.

Programmable thermostats allow you to program a schedule that fits your lifestyle. The Honeywell 7-day Programmable Thermostat provides 4 programmable time periods for each day of the week. Set these time periods to correspond with when you will be leaving and returning to the building with appropriate temperatures for occupied and unoccupied times. According to Energy.gov, “turning your thermostat back 7-10 degrees for 8 hours a day” can save you 10% on heating and cooling a year. Even better, the Wi-Fi model lets you do all this from your smartphone, tablet, or computer!    

Reason #2: Improve Comfort

Programmable thermostats provide more accurate space temperature readings which in turn increases the comfort level of the space it is serving. High Quality Heating and Air has been serving the Tallahassee, Florida area for 17 years. In their blog they state that, “Older thermostats are often very inaccurate when setting and reading the indoor temperature. Settings that are off by even a few degrees can degrade comfort and raise utility costs.” (Check out their blog here.)

Once scheduled, the programmable thermostat will maintain that schedule with the corresponding temperatures until you decide to change them. Nobody likes to get off the couch during the game or get out of bed to adjust the temperature. Programmable thermostats eliminate the need to physically walk to the thermostat anytime you want to make a change. Set the programs one time for each season and forget about it. Upgrade to a Wi-Fi programmable thermostat, and make adjustments from your phone whenever you desire.

Reason #3: Protect your HVAC System

Whether you just installed your system or it is getting along in years, keeping it running efficiently will extend its life. Setting a schedule in the programmable thermostat allows the unit to run only when necessary to keep the space comfortable when it is occupied rather than trying to maintain a constant temperature 24/7. This reduces wear and tear on the unit. There is often a misconception that turning the thermostat temperature setting down extremely low will make the space cool down faster. But according to an article by Energy.gov, “Avoid setting your thermostat at a colder setting than normal when you turn on your air conditioner. It will not cool your home any faster and could result in excessive cooling and, therefore, unnecessary expense.”

If you are thinking about upgrading your HVAC equipment because of poor performance, first consider replacing the thermostat with a programmable one. Gaining more precise control of the equipment can help extend its life and allow you to better prepare for purchasing a new unit in the future. The programmable thermostat will transition to your new unit when it is installed and will keep that unit running at optimum efficiency.

Things to Keep in Mind

Buying and installing a programmable thermostat is a a great investment for your wallet and your comfort. As mentioned above, the Honeywell 7-day Programmable Thermostat is a great option for your home and business. Some programmable thermostats such as the NEST Learning Thermostat have the ability to “learn” your habits and adjust the temperature based on detecting occupancy in the space. It offers Wi-Fi connectivity so you can control it from any device. We do, however, recommend turning off the “learning” function and setting your own schedule that fits your lifestyle.  

Finally, installing programmable thermostats is simple; no need to call a contractor. Once you decide which programmable thermostat is right for you, take a picture of the wiring of your current thermostat, remove it from the wall, and install your new thermostat in its place. Keep in mind that the majority of programmable thermostats require a “C” wire to install properly. Take a look at the manual for your new thermostat to see what features it has to offer and how to properly install it.