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Programmable thermostats are one of the major smart technologies emerging in the HVAC industry. While programmable thermostats win big points for convenience, another major selling point of these systems is increased energy efficiency. Do they accomplish this goal, though? Here is a look at those questions and what programmable thermostats can do to improve energy efficiency in your home.
What Is the Quick Answer?
The quick answer is, “Yes.” Programmable thermostats improve home energy efficiency by:
- Optimizing HVAC scheduling
- Allowing you to set specific modes
- Adjusting for the weather
- Providing maintenance reminders
Optimization
One of the biggest advantages of using a programmable thermostat is the ability to set your HVAC system so it doesn’t needlessly run when no one is home. If you’re gone during the peak of the day during the summer, then you can let the thermostat maintain a fairly high temperature. In a well-insulated home, you might program the thermostat to keep the temperature as high as 85 degrees Fahrenheit on a hot day. This prevents the system from constantly cycling while benefiting no one.
You can also program the thermostat to bring the temperature into a more comfortable range before you get home. Systems integrated with smart technologies can even detect when you’re a certain distance from your place. The thermostat will then kick up the cooling in time that you won’t notice that the house spent most of the day at a very warm temperature.
The reverse idea is just as applicable on cool days. You might program the thermostat not to turn up the heat until the temperature in your house hits 60 degrees Fahrenheit while you’re gone. The thermostat can then warm your house in time for you to arrive.
If you have a zonal HVAC system, it will offer even more benefits. A programmable thermostat can target specific rooms. You might want your bedroom cooled down before bedtime. However, the system can largely ignore the bedroom for most or all of the day. The same goes for unoccupied rooms. If you have a guest bedroom, there isn’t any need to have your HVAC system controlling the air in the room until you have a guest.
Specific Modes
Specific modes allow you to target specific conditions. A person who travels regularly for business might program the thermostat to operate constantly in a high-efficiency mode while they’re away. You could also set up an eco mode that only runs during times of high energy demand. If your electric company uses demand-based pricing, modal control allows you to run the system more efficiently during high-demand times and crank the AC during low-demand periods.
Weather Adjustment
Many programmable thermostats have systems that now track the weather forecast and current weather conditions. If the system knows that the weather is going to cool off in a few hours, it might run in a mode that keeps the AC running efficiently until the cool weather hits. It then settles into normal operation once the cooler air outside ensures less demand on the AC inside.
Maintenance Reminders
Maintenance is just as important for efficiency as operational modes are. Fortunately, the typical modern programmable thermostat offers maintenance reminders. The system can track HVAC system run times and total cycle counts. These data points tend to correlate well with maintenance needs. For example, the system can notify you when the time has come to swap in a new filter for your HVAC system. A clean filter offers better airflow, promoting greater energy efficiency.
You can also have the programmable thermostat send you notifications about major maintenance needs. Annual service, for example, is a big deal for keeping an HVAC system in top shape. Many programmable thermostats can now send a reminder straight to your phone.
Similarly, the monitoring software also can check for unusual changes in performance. If your HVAC system has cycled many times during mild weather, for example, that might indicate a problem. The system can send you a notification, and then you can have one of our technicians see if anything is wrong.
Our HVAC Experts
Sheldon's Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing is an AC and heating services business that serves the residents and businesses of Corona, CA, and the surrounding areas. Our company is a Carrier factory-authorized dealer and fully state-licensed. In addition to typical HVAC jobs, we work on ductless mini-split systems, high-efficiency furnaces, heat pumps, and indoor air quality systems. Our technicians can tackle HVAC installation, repair, maintenance, upgrade and rejuvenation projects.
If you’re intrigued by the benefits of using a programmable thermostat, contact Sheldon's Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing today.
