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You may have heard that many of your neighbors in Chesapeake, VA, have switched from using traditional thermostats to programmable thermostats. They may have commented on the significant environmental and cost savings, but you may wonder if you really need a programmable thermostat for your home. Here are some interesting factors to consider when deciding whether to switch to a programmable thermostat or not.
Home Needs Will Vary
It is impossible to say with 100% certainty the amount of environmental or cost savings you will personally get by installing a programmable thermostat in your home. The details of each HVAC system vary, as do the comfort preferences of the individuals residing within the home. However, at Simmons Heating & Cooling, we’ve seen that programmable thermostats are quite valuable, especially if your home is left unoccupied for multiple hours during the day and if you are willing to make some slight temperature adjustments to save money throughout the year.
Why Are Programmable Thermostats So Beneficial?
A traditional thermostat’s primary purpose is to ensure that the room temperature matches the desired temperature set by the building occupant. They give you the power to raise or lower the temperature as necessary. A manual thermostat will send a message to the HVAC system to keep the room at a set temperature until you choose to change it again.
Programmable thermostats can be set to adjust the temperature in a home throughout the day based on the occupants’ needs. For example, during the middle of the summer, a programmable thermostat can be set to automatically turn off the air conditioning when everyone has left the home and then automatically turn on a few moments before residents return. During the winter, it could be programmed to use less heating at nighttime since everyone is warm and comfortable under their covers and heat the home a few minutes before the family wakes up to start their activities in the morning.
The Next Step in Programmable Thermostat Technology
If you are considering installing a programmable thermostat, you want to look into smart thermostat technology. Network technology and mobile computing are enhancing the management capability of programmable thermostats. This leads to increased savings and precise adjustments.
A Wi-Fi-enabled thermostat connects to an internet-powered device, like your mobile phone, smart speaker, or tablet. Most smart thermostats have a smartphone application or website that lets you adjust temperature control settings even when you are away from the building. This leads to phenomenal cost savings.
Habit learning is a powerful feature in smart programmable thermostats. Your thermostat learns your activity over time, analyzing when you are in the building and monitoring your comfort preferences. It then uses this information to help you make improved decisions about when to turn on your thermostat, when to turn it down, and how long to let it run.
Diagnostic features, such as identifying problems with your HVAC system or thermostat and reminders regarding when to change filters or do routine maintenance, can help minimize issues with your thermostat, keep your house more comfortable, and save money. Geo-fencing technology in modern programmable thermostats pairs your thermostat with your smartphone. When you get close to the house, for example, when you’re returning from work, your thermostat will activate your HVAC system to ensure that your home is at a comfortable temperature when you arrive.
Can a Programmable or Smart Thermostat Save You Money?
If you invest in a smart thermostat, you want a good return on your investment. The amount of money that you can save will vary because there are several variables involved. As a rule of thumb, homeowners might save up to 20% on their heating and cooling costs over time using a programmable or smart thermostat. It is likely that within the first couple of years of using a smart thermostat, you will save money that covers the unit’s initial cost.
Benefiting From Trusted HVAC Services in Chesapeake
At Simmons Heating & Cooling, we have been offering comprehensive heating and air conditioning services since the early 1960s. As a family-run business, we focus on the satisfaction of our customers. Our technicians are NATE-certified, and we are proud to offer availability 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for emergency HVAC services.
Our services include heating and cooling repair, installation, and maintenance. We also install and maintain generators, water heaters, and geothermal heating. Contact Simmons Heating & Cooling today to learn more about how we help our community stay comfortable.
