November 19, 2013

In order to achieve maximum energy efficiency, you must first master the thermostat.

You probably walk past it a hundred times a day without ever taking notice, at least until the temperature in your home is uncomfortable. This small, wall-mounted appliance is, in fact, controlling the entire climate of your house. Usually by just the press of a button. In order to achieve maximum energy efficiency from your homes heating and cooling systems, you must first master the thermostat. If you ever have a question or need advice about how to program yours, call your HVAC company. The technician will be happy to show you how to get the best use out of this tiny money saver.

How Your Thermostat Works

With energy prices constantly on the rise, it may be a good idea to have a basic understanding of how your thermostat works. The look and functionality of household thermostats has changed dramatically over the years. They used to be fairly simple, utilizing mercury and two separate thermometers to control the temperature. Adjustments were made by sliding a small lever across a field of temperatures or turning a dial.

Today thermostats are digital and can be programmed to shut on and off at different times. If the entire family is out of the house until 5 o’clock then you can program your thermostat to start heating your house at 4:30. This is a great way to save money on your utility bills. They work by relaying a message to your furnace or air conditioner that it is time to turn on and then, once the desired temperature is reached, that it is time to shut down. All of this information is stored inside the control panel which you set.

Some thermostat brands, such as Lennox, give you the option of a 7 day or 5 day/2 day schedule. Most homes have different heating and cooling needs on the weekends compared to weekdays. Allowing you to control those separately keeps you from having to make adjustments when the family is home on a Saturday morning.

If you are considering upgrading your homes thermostat, speak first with an HVAC technician. Choosing the right type is dependent on your homes heating and cooling equipment.

How Does A Programmable Thermostat Save Me Money?

During the workweek, most homes are empty for at least 8 hours. By turning down the temperature 10 to 15 degrees for those 8 hours you can save 5 to 15% on your heating bill. Program it to return to your desired temperature 30 minutes before you arrive home. The same can be accomplished, reverse, during the summer months.

Some people seem to believe that programmable thermostats are counter-productive. That you exhaust just as much energy getting the home back to the desired temperature as you would have had you left it alone. This is not true. As the temperature inside your home goes down it loses less heat to the outside. And once again, adversely, as it rises during the summer less hot air will flow into your house from outdoors.

Who To Call In St Louis

There is really no downside to having a digital thermostat in your house. If you are unsure of how exactly it can save you money, call Scott-Lee Heating Company at (314) 200-0788 to demonstrate all of its features. If programmed right you may not have to think about it again.