Long gone are the days of thermostats that are only controllable from inside the home. Instead, recent advances in technology have made it possible for homeowners to install programmable thermostats that can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection simply by using a computer, smartphone or tablet. Not only does this make things easier if you forget to raise or lower the temperature before leaving your house, but it also carries many other benefits.
Lower Utility Costs
The biggest waste of energy is when the thermostat is cranked too low/high at times when it’s not needed. Perhaps you are away at work or gone for the day, but you forgot to turn off the A/C or heat before leaving. A programmable thermostat removes those worries and allows you to keep that costly mistake from happening again.
More Comfortable
One frustrating thing about turning the A/C or heat off for the day is coming home to an uncomfortable, stuffy house. A programmable thermostat can be set to lower/raise the temperature in the house before you return, which means you always arrive home to a cool/warm, comfortable environment.
Convenience
Programmable thermostats are true ‘set it and forget it’ appliance as most of them have options for customizable schedules. Touchscreen technology also allows thermostats to be programmed relatively easy. You can even use your smartphone to gain full control over your home comfort anywhere, day or night.
Affordable
Basic programmable thermostats retail for $20 and usually require less than an hour of labor to be installed.
If anything, the installation of a programmable thermostat is often the first direction in optimizing the efficiency of a home. Projects that follow might also include sealing up any gaps around doors, upgrading windows, and beefing up wall insulation.
Have you considered switching thermostats? Learned some valuable tips? Let us know! If for any reason you would like a professional to provide more information for you, call AC Masters and we will help you out.