Even for those of you who held out until the very last moment to kick on the furnace as the fall chill started to creep in, it’s likely you’ve given in by now.
Now that the heat is thawing your bones and the usual arguments over what the average temperature has recommenced, perhaps you’ve noticed it’s time to replace your thermostat. And maybe it comes as no surprise to you that buying a new thermostat is not as straightforward as, say, buying a carton of milk. There are several things to consider, especially with advancements in technology. But don’t worry — our Surrey electricians have compiled a Thermostat Buying Guide that will help you decide what type of thermostat is right for your home.
Compatibility
First, you will have to know a thing or two about your home’s current HVAC system. Most commonly, you’ll have either single or two stage, and for heating, you can also have three stage support (each has a different level of heat output, which affects the system’s operation and efficiency). Once you know how your heating system works, you can find a thermostat that is compatible with it.
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- https://www.angieslist.com/articles/two-stage-ac-systems-save-money-energy.htm
- https://www.justanswer.com/hvac/4sqt7-know-single-stage-multi-stage-hvac.html
Programming
With modern technology, programming has improved the way we view heating systems regarding efficiency and reduced waste. We can now make sure the temperature lowers when no one is around (or that the house is warm for when you get home after a long day).
Because today’s thermostats can be programmed down to the minute, think about your needs. Do you need the place warm at night? Do you keep regular hours? Do you have holidays planned? Then adjust the programming accordingly. Feel free to experiment until you find the patterns that are right for you.
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Savings
We’re talking savings in both cash and energy — good for the wallet and good for the planet. Some of the latest, smartest thermostats on the market learn your schedule and your preferences over time and adjust accordingly (ya, it’s a little creepy). But at the end of the day, they will save you money and are great for the environment by reducing wasteful heating. Some municipalities or provinces even offer rebates as part of their energy conservation initiatives.
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Convenience
More modern thermostats can also be linked to your smartphone so that you can adjust the temperature of your home remotely. Not only does this make for potentially great pranks, but it’s also great for the energy, as mentioned earlier, and money savings factor. Or if you have forgotten to program the thermostat before leaving for an extended period or will be out later than expected, you can adjust the heat from wherever you are.
Buying Guide Summary
Thermostats range in price and capability. Of course, they all allow you to turn the heat up and down, but you can get pretty high-tech if you want. Depending on your priorities, just remember that an investment in a sophisticated and programmable thermostat will add up to savings on your energy bills.
If you have any questions about what thermostat is right for your home or are wondering about the latest trends in HVAC and thermostats, let us know. We’re always happy to help.
