One of the more economical methods of maximizing energy savings, without sacrificing comfort, is to install digital automated thermostats in your home. We’ve heard of many different ways to reduce our energy costs, but how many of us utilize them?

Just about everyone is aware of the tips and tricks to lower utility bills, yet, most of us fail to take advantage of them, like turning down the heat before leaving for work, or reducing the temperature by a few degrees while sleeping. A programmable thermostat solves those problems.

To maintain the maximum or minimum temperature required for four to six hours a day, instead of 24 hours, install a digital automated thermostat that pays for itself quickly.

The new generation of residential thermostats use microprocessors and sensors, and most of them perform one or more of the following energy control functions:

• You can schedule multiple daily settings, and it allows for you to override and switch settings without affecting the rest of the daily program.
• Six or more daily temperature settings can be stored.
• You can adjust the schedule of your heat or A/C, based on outside temperature variations.

Types of automatic and programmable thermostats

• Digital thermostats have a varied range of functionality and flexibility. They can be used with most heating and cooling features, and they provide precise temperature control, while allowing for custom schedules. There are some models with complicated features, making them an imprudent choice for the technically-disadvantaged.
• Hybrid systems include a blend of the digital controls with sliding knobs that simplify their use and maintain flexibility. These models are available for most systems, including forced air furnaces and heat pumps.
• Occupancy thermostats preserve the setback temperature until you modify the heat or A/C temperature. These units offer the ultimate in simplicity, but lack flexibility.
• Light sensing thermostats are typically used in commercial offices. When the office is illuminated it activates the temperature systems. When the lighting is reduced, the photocells will sense no activity and allows temperatures to automatically reduce by 10 degrees below the set temperature. When lighting levels return to the standard setting, temperatures automatically adjust back to comfortable conditions. Batteries are not required for these types of digital thermostats and they reset themselves after power failures.

Choosing a programmable thermostat

Because digital automated thermostats are a relatively new technology, you should learn as much as possible before selecting a unit. When shopping for a thermostat, bring information with you about your current unit, including the brand and model number. In addition, consider the following questions to ask before buying a thermostat:

1. Is the thermostat compatible with your current heating system? A certified HVAC contractor can answer this for you.
2. Is it an easy do-it-yourself installation, or will you require an HVAC technician? Often consumers buy the thermostat in a big box store, just to find out they can;t install it themselves, or they purchased the wrong type of thermostat for their system.
3. How simple are the instructions to program these units? Many units are powered by batteries, but that does not eliminate the need to wire it into the HVAC system.

The most practical digital programmable thermostat will depend on your lifestyle and your comfort level, at different temperatures. An automatic thermostat can quickly reduce your energy costs, but only when set to the proper settings.

Give us a call at And Services. We have certified AC technicians throughout Tampa, St Pete, Clearwater, Brandon, New Port Richey, Wesley Chapel and Polk county. We can have your new thermostat installed quickly to start saving you money.