Depending on the model you select, programmable thermostats come with a variety of preprogrammed settings that allow you to quickly establish your household's heating and cooling needs. High-end models can be programmed with a different setting for every day of the week (and variation during the day and night) while mid-range models allow you to set patterns based on the your needs on weekdays and weekends. Depending on your budget, many programmable thermostats come with additional features such as backlit and digital displays, voice or phone programming, vacation settings, whole-house diagnostic functions, and touch screens.
Who hasn't gone to work or vacation and forgotten to adjust the heating, ventilation, or air conditioning (HVAC) temperatures before they left? Cooling your house for your comfort when you're not there costs you money. With a programmable thermostat, you don't have to worry.
A programmable thermostat can be set to anticipate your comfort levels depending on the time of the day. Set a constant temperature while you're sleeping, for example, or have the heat programmed to turn on a few minutes before waking. Different seasons may require different comfort levels – you can program these in advance, and fine tune during the season. Be careful, though. Resist the urge to override your settings too often – every time you do, it costs you money.
According to Energystar.gov, the average household emits more than 20,000 lbs. of greenhouse gases per year! That's about two times the amount released by the average car during the same time. Using Energy Star-compliant HVAC equipment in your home not only reduces the amount of energy you use in your household but also helps reduce carbon emissions overall. A programmable thermostat can help you use energy only when you need it – and that helps us all.
Priced for any budget, most programmable thermostats will pay for themselves within a year or two. The average household annual cooling and heating bill is $875, and using a programmable thermostat can save you roughly $180 per year! A good rule of thumb is on average; every degree you raise your thermostat in winter or lower in summer will save you around 2% on your energy bill.
Contact A. Borrelli HVAC for information on installing a programmable thermostat in your home. A scheduled visit from a certified technician will help determine what model is best for your home and budget.
For almost 40 years, A. Borrelli Mechanical has been specializing in HVAC and AC installation and maintenance in Westchester County. Contact us today to learn more about our new air-conditioning installations.