Can You Save Money by Having a Programmable HVAC at Home?

Programmable HVAC thermostats have rapidly become the standard in U.S. homes. The days of the on/off manual thermostat that allows you to set a single temperature — and that’s all — are fading fast. Homeowners want more efficient, effective, 24/7 control over indoor comfort, as well as lower monthly costs and more options for convenience.

The Department of Energy estimates that proper use and maintenance of a programmable HVAC thermostat can save more than $175 per year in energy costs. That’s about 10% of the typical annual bill for most homeowners. Programmable units also reduce expensive wear and tear on your heating and cooling components. Here are some of the other advantages of retiring your old, low-tech model and moving up to a programmable thermostat.

• An extensive selection. All HVAC manufacturers offer options for a programmable thermostat with the purchase of a new AC or furnace. In addition, a wide assortment of aftermarket models by major brand names are available for most existing units.
• Higher tech to choose from. Wi-Fi-connected programmable thermostats enable remote operation of HVAC functions and the ability to monitor the system from anywhere. Some models analyze thermostat data and automatically produce temperature programs that fit your daily patterns. Geofencing technology signals your heating or cooling units when you leave the house and when you’re approaching home again.
• Accurate temperature control. Every degree counts when it comes to indoor comfort and lower operating costs. The old manual thermostat only keeps temperatures within five degrees of the setting. Programmable thermostats offer greater precision, potentially maintaining temperatures to within one degree of the setting.
• Keeping you alert. Programmable thermostats can display reminders on the screen about needed routine maintenance, such as changing the air filter, as well as alerts to let you know that certain malfunctions are occurring.
• HVAC security. If you don’t want temperatures altered by others, a programmable HVAC thermostat includes a password requirement that prevents unauthorized changes to temperature settings or other functions.

Ready to move up to greater efficiency, lower costs, and a more consistently comfortable indoor environment? Talk to the pros at Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning about a programmable HVAC thermostat.