GUIDE TO HVAC THERMOSTATS

Your home's thermostat is like the brain for your HVAC system. The type of thermostat installed in your home can make a big difference in your HVAC system's effectiveness and efficiency.

Thermostat upgrades or changes to the way you use your thermostat may be able to improve your HVAC system's heating and cooling power. This thermostat guide will help you understand thermostat technology better so you can decide what can and should be done to make your home comfortable and your HVAC system efficient throughout the year.

Thermostats Types

Thermostats have changed a lot throughout the years. Depending on the age of your HVAC system, you could have a thermostat that is very old or very new.

Analog Thermostat

Also known as a mechanical thermostat, the analog thermostat uses moving parts to trigger changes in the HVAC system. Analog thermostats typically show the room’s temperature and the HVAC temperature setting on separate displays. To change the temperature, the homeowner turns a dial.

Analog thermostats are not programmable, so homeowners must change the temperature setting in person and in real time. These thermostats have been largely replaced in recent years by digital and smart thermostats. Mechanical thermostats are rumored to be inaccurate, but a quality mechanical thermostat can be just as accurate as a digital thermostat.

Programmable Digital Thermostats

Programmable digital thermostats have been around for decades. Like traditional mechanical thermostats, digital thermostats show the temperature of the room and the temperature setting for the HVAC system. However, these devices have complex displays with symbols that help users choose a temperature setting for specific times of day.

Programmable digital thermostats save homeowners money by enabling them to change the temperature of the home depending on who is usually there and what they are doing at that time. For example, a homeowner who usually sleeps between 10 pm and 6 am may choose a temperature that is warmer or cooler at these hours to save money on HVAC expenses.

On weekends when the homeowner is at home doing chores, the programmable digital thermostat may be set to keep the home at a more ideal temperature. On weekdays when the homeowner is at work, he or she may set the temperature to something warmer or cooler than normal to keep heating and cooling costs low.

Programmable digital thermostats can save homeowners up to 10% on their heating and cooling costs annually if they are willing to change their temperature setting by 8 to 10 degrees at times when a more comfortable temperature is not necessary. In fact, in some areas, homeowners can save $10 per month for each degree lowered or raised.

Smart Thermostats

Smart thermostats are the most modern type of thermostat on the market. Smart thermostats have the ability to learn the preferences of the homeowner and make adjustments accordingly. They can be controlled via a wall-mounted display or an app on a tablet, computer, or smartphone.

Some smart thermostats can even sense the movements of the homeowner. When the home is empty, the thermostat adjusts the temperature to save money. When the homeowner returns, the system kicks on to make the home more comfortable. Smart thermostats are convenient and save money, so they are the preference of many tech-savvy homeowners.

Thermostat Replacement

If your home has a traditional analog thermostat, then replacing your thermostat can help you save money on HVAC costs.

What It Will Cost

Replacement costs are usually less than $170 for an electrician (between $65 and $85 per hour for less than two hours of work), plus the cost of the thermostat. Digital programmable thermostats cost between $100 and $150, and smart thermostats are priced $200 and up. Even though thermostat replacement has an up-front cost, a more efficient thermostat can save much more money over time.

What to Buy

For many homeowners, a digital programmable thermostat is a good money-saving option, as long as the homeowner is willing to program the thermostat. However, many homeowners who have programmable thermostats don't use the programming option to raise or lower the temperature of the home according to the homeowner's schedule. This can result in extra costs over time.

For homeowners who don't want to have to program their thermostat, a smart thermostat is a more practical option. Smart thermostats need less direction and help from homeowners in order to make good heating and cooling choices. Once the thermostat has come to recognize homeowner patterns, smart thermostats need little homeowner involvement to maintain a comfortable inside temperature and low HVAC costs.

How to Get Started

If you're a homeowner who would like to replace your home's thermostat, get started by contacting a reputable HVAC contractor in your area. At Dick Kearsley Service Center, we're happy to answer your thermostat questions and give you advice that can help you save money on HVAC costs. Contact us today for more information.