Have you heard that your home’s HVAC system is responsible for as much as half of your monthly energy costs? How you set your thermostat can have a significant impact on your energy use and, thus, your bills.
Like everywhere else, in Arizona too, we all want to make our homes as relaxing and pleasant as possible without sacrificing our financial stability, and the right thermostat can help us achieve that. In this article, we will further our understanding of thermostats, discuss different thermostats and their benefits, and learn how Autumn Air can help you choose the right accessories for your HVAC system.
What is a thermostat?
A thermostat is a device that’s used in home HVAC systems to control the inside temperature and adjust it to the resident’s needs as necessary. There are several different thermostat types that are available from analog dial versions to apps that offer smartphone control. Most thermostats work to stabilize indoor temperatures to a fixed setting, by turning on and off to heat or cool the environment till the right levels.
Some thermostats are even programmable, and can automatically switch on and off within a certain time frame to maintain a temperature automatically, even when you’re out of the home. They’re extremely convenient and a key feature of any HVAC system in modern households.
What are the different types of thermostats available in Arizona?
Different types of thermostat offer different features. Below, we list three basic types of thermostat that are easily available in Arizona.
1. Mechanical or manual
Manual thermostats are the most fundamental sort of thermostat available for purchase. These thermostats are often referred to as “mechanical” or “non-programmable” thermostats. In order to switch on and off your HVAC system and have full control over the temperature, you will need to manually alter this setting.
However, there are mainly two types of manual thermostats:
- Digital thermostats: Settings are adjusted through directional arrow buttons
- Analog thermostats: Allow for temperature adjustment through a dial.
One disadvantage of manual thermostats is that some models do not provide the highest level of accuracy when it comes to controlling the temperature in a room. In fact, some manual thermostats have a disparity of around +/- three degrees, whereas other types of thermostat only have a divergence of +/- one degree.
Another issue with manual thermostats is that even though you can turn off your system by using a manual thermostat, when you get home from being outside, the temperature won’t be what you want it to be.
2. Programmable thermostats
Programmable thermostats are likely to be the most convenient for the majority of households. With a programmable thermostat, you don’t have to turn on and off and change the temperature of your heating and cooling systems manually.
You can either manually adjust them or create a program that allows you to automatically operate your HVAC system as per your and your family’s occupancy in the house. This will save you a significant amount of money on your power bill without ever being an inconvenience to you.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, programmable thermostats can help you save up to $180 a year on your energy bills.
3. Smart or intelligent thermostats
Programmable thermostats are the foundation for smart thermostats, which take connectivity and comfort to a whole new level. Because you can operate these thermostats from your computer, tablet, or phone, you are able to make temperature adjustments within your house even when you are not there.
Even though they are the most costly, these thermostats provide the highest level of accuracy, convenience, and comfort while also reducing the amount of money you spend each month on your energy bills.
They are generally equipped with a touch-screen display, and commands can be sent by voice. They can also provide warnings for a soiled air filter. You can either program your schedule or let the system learn about your schedule. If you let the system learn about your schedule, the thermostat will learn your daily schedule without you having to intervene.
What are the benefits of having a modern or a smart thermostat?
In light of present-day technological developments and the increasing interoperability of electronic devices, setting up a smart thermostat is a wise move. You can enjoy the following benefits with a smart thermostat in your personal space:
1. Cost-effective
You can reduce the amount of energy your HVAC system uses while you are gone throughout the day if you have a smart thermostat. You may also program the smart thermostat for your heating system to begin warming the house just before your family comes home. You will be able to save between 10 and 26% more energy thanks to these features.
2. Power consumption tracking
Your ability to monitor your current energy use in real time is made possible by a smart WiFi thermostat. Using a smart thermostat, you can make an energy profile for your home that shows how your energy use has changed over time, how that may affect your energy costs in the future, and how you can change your heating and cooling preferences to cut your energy costs even more.
3. Control your home remotely
A smart thermostat allows you to operate your device using a variety of mobile applications on your smartphone or tablet. Because of this, you are able to monitor the temperature on the thermostat and make adjustments to it from any location, so long as you have a data or Wi-Fi connection.
4. Custom schedules
Smart thermostats enable remote control of the device and allow the programming of heating and cooling schedules via a corresponding mobile app. This not only allows for more nuanced control of the interior environment, but also makes it easier to operate than a traditional control panel.
5. Quick and simple assembly
Installing a programmable thermostat is also a very simple process. These devices can be installed in the same location as your old thermostat with no alterations and can be installed in a matter of minutes, after which the device is immediately available for use.
6. Motion sensors
These devices can tell when there is movement nearby and then act according to the program. A modern thermostat can automatically adjust the temperature and other settings depending on the number of people in the room.
This feature will also result in significant energy savings due to the fact that the system will be placed in its most energy-efficient mode when it is not being used.
7. Smart connectivity
Your house is considered “smart” when it has a number of smart gadgets, including a smart thermostat. These smart gadgets frequently have the ability to communicate with one another, provide seamless accessibility, and can be programmed via mobile apps.
Autumn Air can make your decision easier
When compared to conventional thermostats, smart thermostats are more cost-effective, easier to operate, and better at keeping different areas of the house at the optimal temperature.
If you are thinking about the best thermostat for Arizona conditions, consider contacting Autumn Air for the right and most cost-effective decision. You can also call (602) 266-5247 for service scheduling.
