Installing a new generation of programmable thermostats is one of the most simple ways to improve your comfort and cut your energy costs by as much as 33%. Modern thermostats have controls that allow you to set and customize temperatures throughout the week so you can perfectly tailor them to your schedule. Not only is this more convenient, but it also maximizes the efficiency of your heating system which leads to greater comfort and savings.
Step 1: Figure Out Which Thermostat Is Compatible With Your Heating And Air System Type
The first step in choosing your thermostat is to know what you’re working with so you know what you’re looking for. It’s important to identify which heating/air system you have in your home to make sure your new thermostat will be compatible. The most common type is the central heating and AC system, but people also use heat pumps, electric baseboards, and furnaces.
Step 2: Learn About (And Choose) Your Thermostat Type
There are several types of thermostats, which you can choose from completely based on your preferences.
- Programmable: A programmable thermostat can be set to change the thermostat up or down automatically during the day so you don’t have to worry about it.
- Digital-Non-Programmable: Requires you to manually change the thermostat during the day as temperatures fluctuate.
- Manual: The same manual controls as the digital-non-programmable, but without the convenience of an LCD display.
- Remote: A remote thermostat is connected through a hub to your home’s internet service, allowing you to control it remotely from a phone, tablet, or laptop.
- Learning: This is the most advanced and energy-efficient of the new generation of thermostats. It is like the programmable thermostat but does not need to be programmed manually. As you use it, it learns from your habits and preferences. They also do cool things like turning themselves down when you’re away and provide energy reports. These can also be hooked up to Wi-fi and controlled remotely.
Step 3: Choose Your Programming Options
If you choose a programmable thermostat you have one more decision to make. Your thermostat can be customized even more so with a range of programming options. For instance, there is a 7-day programming option that allows you to set the temperature every day. There is also a 5-1-1 programming option, which allows for one program for the weekdays and separate programs for each Saturday and Sunday. There are also the 5-2, which allows for a program for the weekdays and then the weekend, and then the 1 Week, which allows you to set your thermostat for a whole week at a time. Each of these options has different periods so you can set the temperature for different times of the day (morning, afternoon, evening, night, etc.)
Step 4: Install Your Thermostat
This is probably the least fun part of the thermostat experience. Don’t worry, Air Group can help. Call us at 973.929.2080 or you can fill out this form to schedule an appointment and we’ll have it done in no time. And, if you don’t want to do this again for a while, check out our maintenance plans for a routine inspection of your thermostat and heating/cooling system.