Why Choose a Programmable Thermostat for your Air Conditioner and Heater System?
Attention homeowners! Did you know that most homeowners spend around 50% of their annual energy bill on heating and A/C? San Diego may well have a climate that borders perfection, but only few of us can tolerate those freezing winter nights and scorching summer days without smoothly functioning heating and air conditioning systems in our homes. One simple way to reduce energy usage in your home is to install a programmable thermostat that automatically adjusts indoor temperature according to preset times and temperatures. Your air conditioning and heating expenses should be reduced by more than 10% if the programmable thermostat is used properly.
What are the Benefits of Programmable Thermostats?
- Energy Savings – An estimated $180 a year or more (*Energy Star Estimate) can be saved when a home air conditioner and heater system are used in conjunction with a programmable thermostat.
- Higher Level of Comfort – Programmable thermostats tend to be more accurate than manual models, and you will have the increased flexibility for instance to set the temperature slightly higher before you wake up for those cold mornings.
- Convenience – By having an automated temperature control for your home heating and air conditioning system, you can stop worrying that you are wasting energy while you’re not home, and you’ll avoid frequent trips to the controller unit.
Installing the New Programmable Thermostat
Before attempting the installation of a programmable thermostat, make sure you have thoroughly read all instruction and electrical safety guidelines, and you have the following tools handy: drill or driver, level, screwdriver, pencil, tape and goggles for safety.
The unit should be installed on an interior wall, away from heating or cooling vents and other sources of heat or drafts (bright lamps, doorways, sunlight, windows, or skylights).
- Turn power supply off.
- Detach old thermostat, along with the wall plate, but be aware that older models often contain mercury, a toxic substance that needs to be appropriately recycled.
- Label wires (usually there are 2or 4) and secure them by tying them in a loop.
- Install the new wall plate first, then connect the wires, following instructions.
- Finally, mount the new programmable thermostat on the wall plate and restore power.
How to Best Program a Thermostat?
New models usually come with pre-programmed settings that are designed to keep energy efficiency to the maximum, but at the same time delivering comfort with ideal cooling and heating times and temperatures. It is recommended that the time periods for different settings are set to at least 8-hour increments.
The following table provides a good guideline:
Learn More and Contact Us
If you have little experience installing electrical equipment that requires wiring, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with us here at 1-800-anytyme. We would love to help you out! Contact us via our contact form or call (760) 477-0072 to speak with a member of our team today!
By relying on an HVAC specialist, you will also rest assured that the unit will function properly and all warranties will remain valid. Selecting the right model may also be a daunting task that also depends on the cooling and heating system currently in use in your home, and a professional is always the best person to answer any questions you have.