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The short answer to the question “what is the best thermostat” is that there really is no “best” option. Certainly the so called “smart” thermostats are the latest technology and provide the most opportunity for energy savings, but the basic thermostats and programmable thermostats also provide specific benefits. The BEST thermostat for YOU is the one that matches your budget and lifestyle. Let’s take some time to address all of your options.
Basic / Manual Thermostats
The basic thermostat is widely used in many homes to this day. Basic thermostats are exactly like their name describes. You will simply need to walk up to your thermostat and adjust the temperature with a dial or lever. The basic thermostat is made up of bi-metallic strips that coil and uncoil at specific temperatures, and the basic thermostat does a relatively good job of maintaining a comfortable level of heat or cool air in your home. However, the dial or lever on your basic thermostat is not very precise and could be off by several degrees of the temperature you think you’re setting.
Why does that matter? Well, it’s a loss in potential energy savings! A good rule of thumb to go by when it comes to energy savings reflected in your utility bill, is that for every degree you raise or lower the temperature on your thermostat, it results in a 1% increase or decrease in your energy bill. So, if you were to start keeping your home at 75 degrees instead of 65, you can expect to see 10% savings. Because basic thermostats aren’t very accurate, you may think you’ve set your thermostat to 75 degrees, when actually it’s cooling your home to 73 or 74 degrees, so you’re using more energy than you want to and paying more than you expected.
To account for this, there are now many basic thermostats with digital displays which are more accurate. If you want the temperature to be 75 degrees, then just punch that number into the display. Basic thermostats that are digitized also allow you the option to punch an “up-” or “down-” arrow button to easily increase or decrease the temperature. Basic thermostats can save you money when you leave your house empty for long periods of time, but that’s only if you remember to manually adjust the temperature on the thermostat yourself before you leave.
The good news is that basic thermostats are the most inexpensive option because of their limited features. Basic thermostats are the least expensive type of thermostat you can buy due to their limited features. The non-digital basic thermostat typically costs between $15 and $35, but they are being phased out because they contain mercury. Basic thermostats with a digital display cost around $20 – $50.
Programmable Thermostats
As technology has advanced, the programmable thermostats were developed to improve upon the basic thermostat. Until just a few years ago these were the most technologically advanced option, but we will get to their successor in just a bit. A programmable thermostat allows you to set different temperatures for different times of day. Meaning, you can raise the temperature during times you’re out of the home to save energy, and lower the temperature at night to keep you comfortable while you sleep. In fact, programmable thermostats often allow you to pre-program up to four different set times for the week, and four different set times for the weekend. This is why the programmable thermostats have been such a popular option.
The good news is that if your schedule changes, for example if you have the week off of work, there’s also a manual override switch where you can manually adjust the temperature either higher or lower without affecting any of your pre-programmed schedules. Programmable thermostats show increased savings on the utility bill when used properly by the homeowners.
The best way to use your programmable thermostat is to spend a few days keeping track f your schedule. When do you typically leave home, return from work, go to sleep, and when you wake up. When you have that schedule you can better program your thermostat to maximize your savings.
Programmable thermostats are more expensive than the basic thermostats but can still be reasonable. They range in price from $25 to $150 and are a great mid-priced option for helping you save money each month on your utility bill – up to 33% more over manual thermostats!
Connected & Smart Thermostats
The newest and most technologically advanced thermostat option is the smart thermostat. Smart thermostats allow you to adjusting your home’s temperature remotely from a computer, tablet or even a smart phone. These have become a very popular option as the popularity of “smart homes” continues to rise. Performing the same functions as programmable thermostats, smart thermostats give you the flexibility to regulate the temperature in your home around the clock. On days you decide to go out to dinner with family or friends instead of going straight home after work. you can adjust your thermostat accordingly to continue your energy savings!
Thermostats that connect to the internet and allow you to make changes remotely are known as “connected” thermostats. All smart thermostats are connected to the internet, but not all “connected” thermostats are considered “smart.” Thermostats that are considered truly “smart,” are those that can learn from your behavior and automatically set your temperature schedule for you. Rather than programming it yourself, a smart, or “learning,” thermostat will monitor the temperatures you typically input during certain times of the day, and after a short period time will begin to automatically adjust the temperature on its own. Trying to figure out how to program your thermostat and set multiple temperature schedules has been eliminated – the smart thermostat automatically does it for you!
Other advanced features smart thermostats have are:
Smart thermostats are revolutionizing the way homeowners manage their energy consumption as we strive to improve the health of our planet. But, with costs ranging from $200 to $300, smart thermostats are certainly more expensive than basic and programmable thermostats. However, many homeowners who have them say that the energy savings, convenience, and numerous features they offer make them worth the added cost.
Should I upgrade to a smart t-stat? Will it save me money?
You have to decide what works best for your lifestyle. The convenience and energy saving features of smart thermostats make them very appealing, but they do come with a higher price tag. While the energy savings a smart thermostat can provide will cover the upfront expense over time, a programmable thermostat will can save you just as much money if programmed properly.
A smart thermostat makes it easier and more convenient to stay on top of your HVAC energy usage. According to a joint study of smart thermostats conducted by Pacific Gas and Electric and Honeywell, people liked being able to change the temperature of their home remotely from an app so much that they did so a great deal more than if they if they had to adjust the temperature using only the thermostat. This resulted in more than half of the participants in the study using less energy. Also, a study by Nest discovered that consumers saved on average 10-12% on heating and 15% on cooling, which resulted in around $130 of annual savings.
It’s true a cheaper programmable thermostat can potentially reduce energy costs as much as a smart thermostat, but that’s only if you take the time to very carefully and accurately program your thermostat and keep a fairly regular schedule. And don’t count out the basic thermostat. If you stay at home more often, or are often away and are comfortable leaving your home at the same temperature for long periods of time, a basic thermostat with a digital display is very cost effective. However, if you don’t want to bother with programming a temperature schedule or your day-to-day schedule is constantly changing, then a smart thermostat is definitely the one for you.
Definition of smart thermostat
Besides the primary task of maintaining a set temperature, “Smart” thermostats have the added functionality of being able to automatically adjust the temperature of your home based on your schedule, on the temperature outside, and on modifications you make to it from your computer, tablet, or mobile device. Having the ability to control the heating and cooling of your home remotely, as well as having a thermostat auto adjust temperature settings based on the time of day or whether or not anybody is home, provides consumers with convenience and huge energy savings.
Other names for smart thermostats like wireless, digital, internet
There are several varieties of thermostats which get grouped under the “smart” category, such as thermostats that are wireless, digital, and connected to the internet. These all offer the convenience and energy-savings ability to manage and program your thermostat remotely, however, brands such as Nest and Ecobee take the smart thermostat a step further with giving it the ability to actually learn from your behaviors and adjust the temperatures accordingly.
The difference between smart and connected t-stats
A thermostat that is connected to the internet and allows you to remotely access its programming is known as a “connected” thermostat. Many manufacturers label connected thermostats as “smart,” but this has caused some confusion in the marketplace as to what consumers expect smart thermostats to be able to do. The term “smart” is not regulated by any agency and can be freely used by companies to increase the appeal of their product.
However, according to the IHS and EMEA Markets for Thermostats report, “smart” thermostats are “those that are connected to the internet and make automatic adjustment decisions.” Unlike thermostats are just “connected” to the internet, truly “smart” thermostats have the capability to automatically change the temperature of your home based on external inputs. These external inputs include temperature sensors placed in different rooms of your house, motion and occupancy sensors which tells the thermostat if a room is occupied, and geo-fencing technology, which tells the thermostat when you are getting close to home or have left the home and will therefore adjust the temperature accordingly.
Connected thermostat have useful and energy-saving features as well but lack the ability to make automatic adjustments “on its own.” A benefit of connected thermostats, though, is that they’re much less expensive than smart thermostats. Connected thermostats typically cost around $100, whereas a true “smart” thermostat retails for closer to $250.
Are they programmable?
Smart thermostats have all the features of programmable thermostats, allowing you to set a temperature schedule for each day of the week, but smart thermostats go a step further by allowing you the ability to control temperature settings remotely. If, for example, an impromptu event comes up on today that you’re going to attend instead of going home at your usual time of 6 p.m., then you can access your smart thermostat from your phone and program it to not lower (or raise) the temperature at the time it normally would if you didn’t veer from your normal routine.
Features such as this not only give homeowners more control over their comfort, but also provide additional energy savings. For people whose schedules change frequently, programmable thermostats may not be the most efficient option; if it’s set to adjust the temperature at 6 p.m. and you don’t get home until 10 p.m., then that’s four hours of wasted energy that could have been saved if you had the ability to adjust it remotely from your phone or computer.
Additionally, smart thermostats will show you your energy consumption in real time and let you know how long it will take for the temperature to reach your desired setting. With the app or remote interface of a smart thermostat, you are able to immediately know how much you are currently spending on heating and cooling your home and can make energy savings adjustments if necessary – no more sticker shock when you receive the energy bill at the end of the month!.
Why the smart t-stat is shaping the history of the thermostat
The technology of smart thermostats is continuing to evolve. Newer models have voice control features so if you just ask your thermostat to change the temperature, it will. Smart thermostats like the Ecobee4 has integrated Alexa technology within – no need to even purchase the Amazon Echo or Amazon Dot. You can get music, the latest news, and weather forecasts all from your smart thermostat.
With more and more home appliances and features getting connected to the internet, it’s predicted that the thermostat will become the interface through which you can control your entire smart home, including lights, music, alarm systems, locks, media center, etc. No longer just a device which controls the temperature, the thermostat of tomorrow will become so much more.
Understanding your smart thermostat
Similar to a smart phone, smart thermostats have many features that are intuitive and easy to use and can be tweaked to better integrate with your unique lifestyle. Smart thermostats don’t just provide convenience and personalized home comfort, they also help you save a lot of money on your utility bills. In addition to the convenience of remote temperature adjustments, some smart thermostats use tiny sensors placed in different rooms of your home to determine whether or not a room is occupied or zoned for a different temperature setting. This is another great energy saving feature, because instead of cooling every room in your house to the same temperature, as programmable thermostats would do, only the occupied rooms will be cooled.
With a sleek, modern design with an option to change its color to match your interior, smart thermostats have a user-friendly touchscreen where you can access the controls and input settings. You can also do everything you need to through thee app, which is just as user-friendly, allowing you to program adjust, and control your thermostat whenever you need to. Other features smart thermostats offer are:
If you’re ready to experience the convenience of true home comfort, reduce your heating and cooling costs along with your carbon footprint, and smarten up your home, then getting a smart thermostat is a good place to start.
Setting up the smart thermostat (what can it do that mine can’t).
The user-friendly interface most smart thermostats have make it easy to set it up and program your temperature preferences. In fact, some smart thermostats will program your desired temperature settings themselves based on your behaviors so you don’t even have to bother. Schedules can also be overridden if necessary, without any original programming being affected. For example, if you come home early and would like the HVAC system to begin cooling sooner than usual, or you have a cold and want to crank up the heat, you can do so without affecting any presets.
Another great feature some smart thermostats have is the ability to start warming or cooling your house when you are certain driving distance away so your home is the perfect temperature as soon as you walk in the door. Using geofencing technology that tracks your phone’s location, your thermostat can automatically raise or lower the temperature when it “knows” you’ve left the house or will soon be home.
How can I teach my smart t-stat?
Smart thermostats can “learn” from your behaviors by tracking your comings and goings and automatically adjusting the thermostat accordingly. The Nest, for example, starts learning about your home and habits as soon as it’s installed. To start teaching your smart thermostat what you like on the first day, set the temperature to your preference. The Nest will maintain that temperature until someone changes it.
On the second day, the Nest will continue to learn your personalized temperature preferences based on how you’ve adjusted it throughout the day. After several days, the Nest has learned your basic temperature schedule, and you can view this schedule and make changes to it through the app.
By the end of the week, the thermostat has learned your schedule and will adjust itself automatically. Your thermostat will continue to learn and if your schedule changes significantly, your thermostat will automatically adapt based on repeated changes you make to it. During this learning period, it’s important to teach your smart thermostat how to be energy efficient by turning up (or down) the temperature before you leave the house, before you go to bed, or any other time when you would normally adjust the temperature to save energy.
What is the best smart t-stat?
The smart thermostat marketplace is booming with competitor products, services, and features that are being introduced regularly. There are a few top brands out there, though, that rate high in comparison studies due to their ease-of-use, functionality, features, and smart home integration. It’s important to do your research to find the best smart thermostat that fits your lifestyle and budget, but here are some of the top-sellers you may want to consider:
Can I install the smart t-stat?
Most smart thermostats are relatively easy to install yourself as long as you know what type of HVAC system you have and how it’s wired to your old thermostat. Also, as most smart thermostats require a C (common) wire to work, it’s important to know whether or not you already have one. If you don’t have a C wire or are unsure about installing your smart thermostat by yourself, then consult with a professional who can do the installation for you.
What happens with all the data?
As many smart thermostats work with multiple other “smart” devices (the Nest thermostat alone has over 115 third-party devices that it can work with), there is some concern that the data collected by smart thermostats is shared with many of these third-party companies. An interesting article on the data flow of information collected and shared by smart devices such as your thermostat can be found here.
What if my wi-fi goes out?
If you wi-fi happens to go down, you won’t be able to communicate with your smart thermostat, but it should still operate as usual. If the power goes out, the battery back-up will kick in to keep your HVAC running.
Should I upgrade to a smart t-stat? Will it save me money?
The convenience and energy saving features of smart thermostats make them very appealing, but they do come with a higher price tag. The average cost for a smart thermostat is around $250, where a basic programmable thermostat is around $30. It’s true the energy savings a smart thermostat can provide will cover the upfront expense over time, but a programmable thermostat will save you an equal amount of money. Of course, that’s if you program it properly, and if you’re the type to not even bother to program the thermostat because it’s a hassle and you just don’t have the time, then a smart thermostat that programs itself based on your schedule would be a smart choice.
A smart thermostat makes it easier and more convenient to stay on top of your HVAC energy usage. According to a joint study of smart thermostats conducted by Pacific Gas and Electric and Honeywell, people liked being able to change the temperature of their home remotely from an app so much that they did so a great deal more than if they if they had to adjust the temperature using only the thermostat. This resulted in more than half of the participants in the study using less energy. Also, a study by Nest discovered that consumers saved on average 10-12% on heating and 15% on cooling, which resulted in around $130 of annual savings.
It’s true a cheaper programmable thermostat can potentially reduce energy costs as much as a smart thermostat, but that’s only if you take the time to very carefully and accurately program your thermostat and keep a fairly regular schedule. However, if you don’t want to bother with programming a temperature schedule and your day-to-day schedule is constantly changing, then a smart thermostat is definitely the one for you.
Definition of programmable thermostat
A programmable thermostat adjusts the temperature of your home based on preset temperatures and times you’ve programmed into it. No more forgetting to turn up the AC before you leave the house for work; a programmable thermostat does the work for you by automatically keeping your home warmer during the day when you’re out and cooler in the evening when you’re sleeping.
Brief history of the thermostat
One of the first thermostats was created in the 1830s by Andrew Ure, an inventor who constructed a device with two metal strips that would expand and bend when the temperature increased. When the metal strips would bend, they would cut off the energy supply of the system thereby helping to regulate the temperature. Not too long afterwards, Warren S. Johnson invented the first electric thermostat that also had bi-metallic and a mercury switch which transferred the currents turning on the system. He ended up patenting his design and creating the Johnson Electric Service Company in 1885 to manufacture his product.
Around the same time, Albert Butz utilized a spring motor and pulley system to create the “damper flapper,” which would automatically open and close the flapper of coal furnaces to regulate the temperature. This invention is the origin of modern automated temperature control systems. Butz patented his design also and formed a company which was eventually purchased by a young engineer named Mark Honeywell, who went on to develop the first programmable thermostat. His programmable thermostat included a clock so one could preset the temperature for the following morning. In the 1950s, dial thermostats were introduced by Honeywell’s company and are still in existence today. In the 1980s, thermostats with digital displays and programmable functions entered the marketplace allowing for more control and energy savings for the consumer.
Understanding your programmable thermostat
One of the most useful features of a programmable thermostat is the ability to program the temperature based on the schedule and routine of your day. So, if you like to wake up to a slightly warmer temperature in the morning during the winter, then you can program your thermostat to achieve a higher temperature starting one to two hours before you awake. You can also program it to get progressively cooler in the evening to help lull you into a sound sleep.
The ability to program your thermostat helps you save money by allowing you to regulate the temperature during different times of the day and according to your schedule. Therefore, one of the first things you should do after you’ve installed your programmable thermostat is to track your daily weekday and weekend schedule. Once you’ve done that, you’ll know how best to program your thermostat for money-saving efficiency and automated comfort for you in your home.
Programmable thermostats are quite advanced and come equipped with microprocessors that allow you to store multiple daily and weekly temperature settings. There are a variety of programmable thermostats available with different advanced features and functions, but at the very least they will have the following basic four settings:
Programmable thermostats also have the option for manual override settings that won’t delete of interfere with your pre-programmed settings.
Is there mercury in a programmable thermostat?
Most electronic programmable thermostats sold today are mercury-free. If there is mercury in your thermostat, the sign for mercury, “Hg,” will be clearly labeled on the packaging.
Setting up the programmable thermostat
Before setting up your programmable thermostat, make sure you’ve put in new batteries. The next step is to follow the instructions in the manufacturer’s guide that came with your thermostat. When setting temperature and times, allow enough time for your HVAC system to achieve your desired temperature before you actually arrive home, go to bed, wake up, etc. If you’d like to have the option of programming different temperature settings for Saturday and Sunday, be sure to shop around for a thermostat that has that feature, otherwise those two “weekend” days will be treated as one with the same settings.
How frequently should my heating and cooling cycle on/off?
An air conditioner’s run time is known as a “cycle” and most systems have 2-3 cycles per hour. A typical cycle during mild weather is about 10-15 minutes. In extreme weather conditions, you can expect the cycles the run a bit longer. If your system is constantly cycling on and off, more than 2-3 times an hour, then your system is “short cycling,” which could indicate a problem with your unit.
If you’re wondering how long it should take for your AC system to cool your home, just know there are several factors which could influence the length of your unit’s run-time. For example, the outdoor temperature, the size of your home, the size of your AC system, and how warm you let the inside of your home get before it starts cooling down can all factor into how long it takes to cool your home. If you think your system is running longer than it should, call a professional, as an HVAC system which is running more than it should will have a significant impact on your utility bill.
What are the symptoms of a failing t-stat?
There are several signs to be aware of that could indicate a problem with your programmable thermostat:
How do you calibrate a programmable thermostat?
If you suspect your thermostat is not reaching the temperature you’ve programmed it to, then you should perform a calibration to see if there really is a problem. To calibrate your programmable thermostat, do the following steps:
Diagnosing problems – why is the programmable thermostat not working?
Troubleshooting.
If your programmable thermostat isn’t working properly, there are a few options you can try first before calling a professional.
If none of these troubleshooting tips provide a solution, it may be time to replace your programmable thermostat. Check your warranty or if there have been any recalls for your product to see if you can get a free replacement.
Clear list of steps to operate the programmable t-stat
To set your programmable thermostat, follow these steps:
How does a thermostat know the temperature?
Electric programmable thermostats use a “thermistor” to measure the temperature. A thermistor is an electrical resistor that changes its resistance with temperature changes. A microcontroller within the thermostat measures the resistance of the thermistor and displays that number to a digital temperature reading.
The cost of a programmable thermostat plus how much can I save a year with one?
Programmable thermostats are quite affordable with most models starting at around $40. With the ability to adjust the temperature based on predetermined times, which allow for optimum energy savings, you could save hundreds of dollars a year with this type of thermostat. Not only do they provide customized comfort based on your lifestyle, but they can also maximize your energy savings, nearly up 33% more than a manual thermostat would.
Should I upgrade to a programmable t-stat from my basic?
If you spend most of your time at home and don’t mind constantly getting up to adjust the temperature, then a manual thermostat should be fine. However, if you leave your house for long periods of time, want to save on energy and utility costs, and want the convenience of “setting it and forgetting it,” then a programmable thermostat is the choice for you. You may also want a “smart” thermostat. Click here to learn more about all of your options.
Often overlooked or unnoticed, the thermostat is one of most important and commonly utilized devices today. Regulating the temperature in homes, offices, and commercial buildings all over the world, this small apparatus has a very big job. Thermostats come in a variety of shapes and sizes with a variety of functions ranging from basic to “smart.” Here we will take a look at the basic thermostat and how it works to regulate air temperature.
Definition of basic thermostat
A basic thermostat is a device that functions to establish and regulate a desired temperature. It does this by turning off the air conditioning or heating system when the desired temperature is reached. When the temperature falls below or rises above the desired level, sensors in the thermostat detect this change and will turn the system on until the desired temperature is achieved. The primary function of a thermostat is to maintain the temperature, unlike a thermometer, which measures the temperature.
Your comfort and quality of life often go hand in hand with the ability to heat and cool your home to your desired temperature. But, heating and cooling your home uses a large amount of energy resulting in significant expenses month to month; and it’s the small, unassuming thermostat that regulates and controls one of the most important pieces of equipment in your home. This is why it’s important you not only understand how to properly operate your thermostat, but also how to utilize in a manner that is the most energy efficient.
Brief history of the thermostat
In the 1830s, Andrew Ure invented the bi-metallic thermostat, which employs metal strips that expand when the temperature would increase and cut off the energy supply. In 1885, Albert Butz invented the “damper flapper,” an early prototype of the modern thermostat. His device used a spring motor and crank arm to automatically control the lifting and closing of the damper, which usually needed to numerous times a day by homeowners in an effort to regulate the heat. Butz patented his invention and formed a business which was eventually purchased by, a young engineer named Mark Honeywell. In 1953, the Honeywell company unveiled their iconic, round thermostat, one of the most recognizable thermostat designs in the world and which is still in production today.
Understanding your basic thermostat
A basic thermostat, also known as a “manual” or “non-programmable” thermostat, operates as its name implies: you have to manually turn the dial or move a lever to your desired temperature. There are some basic thermostats that are digitized, where you can just push a button to adjust the temperature to a specific number, but you still have to manually walk up to it to perform this task.
Basic thermostats operate a simple mechanical principle whereby two strips of different metals, usually brass and steel, are welded together and formed into a coil. When exposed to high temperatures, the bimetal strip will expand and uncoil. When the temperature cools down, the bimetallic strip will contract and the coil will tighten. The expansion and contraction of the coil activates contacts on either side of the metal turning the HVAC system on.
How does mercury in a thermostat work?
Mercury is a heavy, silvery-colored liquid metal that moves like water. Within a thermostat, mercury is contained in a vial that tips either to the right or the left based on the expansion or contraction of the bimetallic coil, depending on whether you’ve adjusted the lever on the thermostat to raise or lower the temperature. Wires within the vial allow a current of energy to run through the mercury activating a relay switch that starts your system’s heater or air conditioner. When the temperature or your home starts to heat up (or cool down), a coiled wire gradually unwinds tilting the vial of mercury so that the current is broken and the HVAC system is turned off.
Not sure if your thermostat has mercury or not? Take off the cover of your thermostat and look inside. If you see a glass vial or ampoule containing a silvery-white liquid, then your thermostat has mercury. You can also check the packaging of any new thermostats you buy for “Hg,” which is the symbol for mercury. If you see this, then mercury is in the thermostat.
It is illegal in many cities to dispose of mercury thermostats in the trash. Therefore, it’s important to locate heating and cooling suppliers, or household waste facilities, which will properly dispose of the mercury for you.
Adjusting the basic thermostat
Changing the temperature on a basic thermostat is as easy as pushing a button, moving a lever, or turning a dial. Once you’ve set the thermostat to your desired temperature, your air conditioning system will respond accordingly.
How frequently should my heating and cooling cycle on/off?
A properly working heating and air conditioning system will automatically cycle on and off when the thermostat senses the air is too cold or too warm. Cycling off gives the temperature in your home a chance to regulate as well as saves energy and utility costs. There is no predetermined number of times a system will cycle on and off each hour, nor how long each cycle will run for. Rather, a cooling cycle will last until the air is cooled (or warmed) to the temperature you set on your thermostat. Once the thermostat senses the desired temperature has been reached, it will shut off the system. If the weather is mild outside, your air conditioner will likely run for only a few minutes at a time. During hotter temperatures, it will likely need to run longer to cool the air in your home to your desired setting.
There are other factors which affect how often your system will cycle on and off, such as the size, or tonnage, of your unit, the amount of moisture in the air that needs to be removed, and the temperature of the weather outside.
Diagnosing problems – why is the basic thermostat not working? Troubleshooting.
If you suspect your thermostat is not working properly, there are a few things you check before calling a professional for repairs.
How do you calibrate a basic thermostat?
If you suspect the setting on your thermostat does not match the temperature of your home, a simple calibration can determine if your thermostat is working properly or not. To calibrate your thermostat, do the following:
It’s important to make sure your thermostat is calibrated properly, otherwise the result could be a utility increase of up to 10%.
What is CPH?
The cycle rate, or “cycle per hour” (CPH) rate, refers to the number of times per hour your HVAC system will turn on and off. Though there are several variables which affect the CPH, it’s typical for a system to cycle on and off 3-6 times an hour. If your system’s CPH is significantly higher or lower, then you should call an HVAC technician right away.
Clear list of steps to operate the basic t-stat
With a basic thermostat, either the ubiquitous round model or the rectangular version, there will be “System” switch with the options setting the system to Heat, Cool, or Off. There may also be a “Fan” switch with the options of Auto or On available. If set to “Auto,” the fan operates when the HVAC system is running. If set to “On,” the fan will run continuously.
To set the thermostat to a desired temperature, just turn the dial or move the lever to a numbered setting listed. For a basic digital thermostat, just punch in a number or hit the up or down arrow buttons to increase or lower the temperature.
Digital and non-digital basic t-stats
Digital thermostats allow for more precise temperature control that moving a lever or dial on a manual thermostat. Just punch in the exact temperature desired, the thermostat will work to maintain it.
The cost of a basic thermostat
Basic, manual thermostats are fairly inexpensive and easy to fix or replace if they stop working. However, if you forget to adjust your thermostat at night or when you’re away from home for long periods of time, then that wasted energy will certainly affect your wallet.
Where a basic thermostat should be located in the home
The thermostat should be located in a place that’s not only convenient for you to easily access it for programming, but also in the part of the home where you and your family spend most of their time. Ideally placed about five feet off the ground, the thermostat should not be located near an outside wall or exposed to any heat sources, such as direct sunlight, heater vents, skylights, windows, or hot-water pipes.
Basic thermostats are inexpensive and easy to use. Many homeowners prefer them to the more complicated programmable or smart thermostats. However, as newer thermostats allow for more precise temperature control and efficiency options saving you money on your utility bill, it may be time to upgrade your basic one.
A lot has change for the once plain and lowly thermostat throughout the past twenty years. What started out as a relatively simple device used to control and maintain the temperature, has burgeoned into a hip, technologically-sophisticated smart home device that can do so much more than just keep your home at a comfortable temperature.
Originating as early as the mid-19th century, the thermostat was invented when the need arose to regulate the temperature and humidity in mills and production facilities to protect the products being manufactured. Today, thermostats are used around the world to keep homes, work places, and public buildings at comfortable temperatures and to protect us from the extreme heat and cold of Mother Nature.
There are three main types of thermostats available today: the basic (or manual) thermostat, the programmable thermostat, and the connected / smart thermostat.
Basic / Manual Thermostats
The basic thermostat is still widely used in many homes today. Originally designed with a rotating dial, and then as a rectangular box with a lever that move to the right or left to select the temperature setting, if you want to adjust the temperature you have to walk up to the thermostat and manually move the dial (or lever) to your desired setting. Comprised of bi-metallic strips that coil and uncoil at specific temperatures, the basic thermostat does a decent job of maintaining a comfortable level of heat or cool air in your home. However, the dials and levers on basic thermostats are not very precise and could be off by several degrees of the temperature you think you’re setting. This could lead to a loss in energy savings and an increased utility bill.
To know just how much the temperature plays a part in energy savings, a good rule of thumb to go by is that for every degree you raise or lower the temperature on your thermostat, results in a 1% increase or decrease in your energy bill. For example, if you like to keep your home a cool 65 degrees in the summer, then by moving the temperature up to 75 degrees, you’re saving 10% on your energy bill. Since basic thermostats aren’t very accurate, you may think you’ve set your thermostat to 75 degrees, when actually it’s cooling your home to 73 or 74 degrees, so you’re using more energy than you want to and paying more than you expected.
There are basic thermostats with digital displays, however, that are more precise. If you want the temperature to be 75 degrees, then just punch that number into the display. Basic thermostats that are digitized also allow you the option to punch an “up-” or “down-” arrow button to easily increase or decrease the temperature. Basic thermostats can save you money when you leave your house empty for long periods of time, but that’s only if you remember to manually adjust the temperature on the thermostat yourself before you leave. Basic thermostats are the least expensive type of thermostat you can buy due to their limited features. The non-digital basic thermostat typically costs between $15 and $35, but they are being phased out because they contain mercury. Basic thermostats with a digital display cost around $20 – $50. Though still limited, the digital display allows you to set a specific temperature. Basic thermostats are best for those people who are home a lot and like its simplicity and ease of use.
Programmable Thermostats
Up until just a few years ago, programmable thermostats were the most technologically advanced and energy-saving thermostats available on the market. A programmable thermostat offers the convenience and energy-saving function of setting different temperatures for different times of days. So, for example, if your work-day routine typically has you arriving home at 6 p.m., then you can program the thermostat to start cooling, or warming, your home at 5:30 p.m. so it’s at the perfect temperature by the time you walk in the door. You can also program it to adjust the temperature higher or lower while you’re sleeping to save energy as well.
Most programmable thermostats allow you to program up to four different set times for the week (5 days) and up to four different times for the weekend (2 days). There’s also a manual override switch where you can manually adjust the temperature either higher or lower without affecting any of your pre-programmed schedules. Programmable thermostats are a great way to save on energy costs by giving you the ability to set energy-efficient temperatures for those times of the day when you’re either away from home or sleeping. No more leaving the house without forgetting to adjust the temperature and wasting money– just set it and forget it.
The four main settings programmable thermostats have are: Wake, Leave, Return, and Sleep. Before setting the times and temperature for each of these categories, it’s important to know your schedule. Spend a few days tracking the time you typically leave your home, the time you return, when you typically go to sleep, and when you wake. Now, you’ll have a better idea for when to program the thermostat to begin warming or cooling your home. Since it can take up to 30 minutes for the temperature to regulate once the system kicks in, it’s best to program the time for 30 before you want to wake up, go to sleep, leave, or arrive home.
Newer programmable thermostat models have even more programming options and allow you to have numerous temperature settings throughout the day and the ability to program each day individually, instead of being limited to just 5 days at a time and 2 days at a time. With advanced features such as touch screens and illumination for easy access at night, programmable thermostats give you more flexibility and control of your heating and cooling while significantly cutting your energy costs.
Programmable thermostats range in price from $25 to $150 and are a great mid-priced option for helping you save money each month on your utility bill – up to 33% more over manual thermostats!
Connected & Smart Thermostats
Taking the convenience and flexibility of programmable thermostats one step further, “smart” thermostats allow you to adjust your home’s temperature remotely from your computer, tablet, or smartphone. Performing the same functions as programmable thermostats, smart thermostats give you the flexibility to regulate the temperature in your home around the clock. So, for those days when you unexpectedly work late or go out to dinner with friends after work instead of going home as you normally would do, smart thermostats allow you to re-adjust the temperature setting remotely, so you can still save money on those days you veer from your routine.
Thermostats that connect to the internet and allow you to make changes remotely are known as “connected” thermostats. All smart thermostats are connected to the internet, but not all “connected” thermostats are considered “smart.” Thermostats that are considered truly “smart,” are those that can learn from your behavior and automatically set your temperature schedule for you. Rather than programming it yourself, a smart, or “learning,” thermostat will monitor the temperatures you typically input during certain times of the day, and after a short period time will begin to automatically adjust the temperature on its own. Trying to figure out how to program your thermostat and set multiple temperature schedules has been eliminated – the smart thermostat automatically does it for you!
Other advanced features smart thermostats have are:
Smart thermostats are changing how homeowners manage their energy consumption and other smart features of their home. The Nest thermostat is a popular smart thermostat that works with over 115 other smart devices, such as garage door openers, lights, media centers, alarms, Alexa and Google Assistant. The Nest also supports Bluetooth and has geofencing technology, which uses your smart phone to track your proximity to your house so it can adjust the temperature accordingly and getting it to your desired setting by the time you arrive home.
Some smart thermostats, such as the Ecobee4, use remote sensors to measure the temperature in multiple rooms, thereby saving energy costs by not heating or cooling a room that doesn’t need it. The Ecobee4 also uses occupancy detectors to determine if a room is occupied resulting in extra energy savings from not needlessly heating or cooling a room that’s empty. With a built-in Alexa voice command system, the Ecobee4 can also give you the latest headlines, play music, and perform all the same functions as the Amazon Echo, without needing to buy one.
With costs ranging from $200 to $300, smart thermostats are definitely costlier than basic and programmable thermostats, but the energy savings, convenience, and numerous features they offer make them a very appealing choice. Plus, an upside is that based on multiple studies, people liked the ability to change the temperature of their home remotely so much that they did it a great deal more than if they had to adjust their thermostat manually, resulting in more than half the participants in the study using less energy. Another study reported that smart thermostat users saved on average 10-12% on heating and 15% on cooling costs, which equaled nearly $130 in annual savings.
Basic thermostats and programmable thermostats can also provide energy savings, if they are programmed properly and you are diligent about keeping to a set schedule and you remember to adjust it every time you leave the house or go to bed. It’s hard to maintain but is doable. Smart thermostats, however, make is so easy to change the temperature for energy efficient savings, that you hardly even have to think about it.
What should I set my thermostat to?
After reading about how setting your thermostat to lower or higher temperatures can save you a lot of money each year, you may be wondering, “Well, what temperature should I set my thermostat to?” A lot of professional HVAC contractors will recommend a default setting of 78 degrees Fahrenheit for the air conditioner during the summer months. This may be a little warm for some people as the ideal daytime temperature for most Americans is between 70 and 75 degrees. Setting your thermostat as close to 75 degrees as possible, or even higher, is key to cutting energy costs and saving money. At night, the recommended temperature range for ideal sleep is 60 – 67 degrees. If you can still get a good night’s sleep with the temperature set closer to 72, then you’ll save even more money. During the cooler months, a setting of 60 – 68 degrees is recommended. If you can set it as low as possible and just throw on a sweater, or two, then you’ll really be saving on energy costs. In fact, if you can set your thermostat to as low as 50-55 degrees while you’re sleeping, you can save as much as 15% on your energy consumption!
Regardless of your temperature preferences, it’s important to be aware of how much energy your HVAC system is consuming. Taking up as much as 40% of your entire home’s energy consumption, consciously regulating the temperature of your home’s heating and cooling is not only good for the environment, but also good for your wallet. The Department of Energy also has recommendations for your thermostat settings which you can view here.
When you’re ready to shop for your new thermostat, Pricefixer.com can help! When you get a new system quote using our free quote tool, we also include all of the thermostat options!
Concord is the largest metropolitan area in Cabarrus County, NC. Established in 1796 close to the middle of the county, Concord had its early beginnings as a tiny settlement. Later, it blossomed into a big cotton marketplace. With temperatures rising to the 70’s, Concord’s summers are typically warm. July being the hottest summer month in Concord, residents’ biggest worry is their inability to survive in the heat if their air conditioner unit stops working. The average maximum temperature level that has ever been recorded in Concord in July is 90.30 degrees Fahrenheit, and this can feel too hot to stand without your A/C in full operation.
How residents cope with a faulty A/C unit
Besides doing the above, it would be wise to have the system’s power examined before the summer season comes. Seeking the help of a professional is necessary, if you are not a good technician yourself. Furthermore, an expert knows where you can buy a cheaper wholesale air conditioner in Concord, NC.
Did you know that you can improve the efficiency of your central AC by simply adding an attic ventilation fan? On a typical summer day, your attic can easily reach temperatures of up to 160 degrees! It can be very difficult for your AC unit to compensate for that extreme heat on top of your home. Attic ventilation fans are an easy and efficient way to remedy this problem. They start at about $50 for a standard electric gable fan and can cost upwards of $350 for a high end solar attic fan.
Finding the Right Thermostat Setting: A good place to start is to set your fan’s thermostat to 110 to 115 degrees. You should monitor how often and how long the fan runs and adjust the thermostat accordingly. Ideally, your attic will stay in the same temperature range, 105-115 degrees. Place a thermometer in the attic overnight to find out if it is maintaining the new temperature. Be sure to check the reading every few hours.