5 Reasons to Upgrade Your Thermostat

The climate control for your home is easily managed through your thermostat. However, if you have an older thermostat, you may not be getting all the benefits available. New technology has improved the design and functions of thermostats to give you more control over your heating, cooling and energy costs. Here are five reasons to consider upgrading your old thermostat to a new, smart model.

  1. Easy controls. New thermostat designs are innovative and simpler to use. Many have touchscreen options that give you many functions at your fingertips without buttons.
  2. Smartphone apps. You can link smart thermostats to your smartphone with an app. This gives you the option to change temperatures or settings from wherever you are to better manage your energy costs.
  3. More program options. Programming your thermostat to manage your heating and cooling is easier and more efficient with a smart thermostat. You can change the settings for different times and days to match your schedule and needs.
  4. HVAC maintenance. Advanced thermostats do more than just control the temperature of your home. They can also let you know when your HVAC filter needs to be changed or if there are other issues with your HVAC system.
  5. Eco-friendly. Newer thermostats are eco-friendly in many ways. They do not contain mercury and they can help your home be more efficient, helping reduce waste of natural resources.

Investing in a new thermostat can reap many benefits that can make life easier and save you money on HVAC repairs and energy costs. Contact your local HVAC service to learn more about all the advanced options in smart thermostats and other accessories for your HVAC system.

Posted on behalf of:
Western Aire Heating & Cooling
264 Buchanan Highway
Dallas, GA 30157
(770) 505-7426

5 Ways to Make the Most of Your Programmable Thermostat

A programmable thermostat is an HVAC accessory that can help save money on your energy bills – but only if you know the best ways to use it. Every home and family are different, which is why a programmable thermostat is important. You can customize your settings to your lifestyle, then let the thermostat regulate your climate control for the most efficiency. Here are five ways to get the most from your programmable thermostat.

  1. Write down your family’s schedule. The first thing you need to know is what hours your family is usually in the house and when they are not. Write down your schedule to facilitate programming your thermostat.
  2. Set your timer for work/school days. Using your schedule, if there are usual days when no one is home, set the timer to a lower or higher temperature (depending on the season) during the time the home is empty.
  3. Set the thermostat for sleeping hours. Change the temperature for your home when bedtime arrives for your family. Set it to a more efficient setting an hour before you go to bed and to change right before you wake to your standard temperature.
  4. Keep an eye on the batteries. Most thermostat batteries need changing about once a year, but not all models have a low battery indicator. Make sure to proactively change your batteries to ensure the thermostat works correctly.
  5. Avoid constant changes. Unless your schedule changes, try to avoid overriding your programmed settings. It is easy to forget to reset, which can cost you more in energy.

A programmable thermostat, especially some of the newer smart models, can save you hundreds of dollars a year in energy costs. If you have an older thermostat, consider updating your model to get the most efficiency for your HVAC system.

Posted on behalf of:
ClimateSmith, LLC
5950 Shiloh Road East
Alpharetta, GA 30005
(770) 475-9555

Save Heating and Cooling Costs With Ceiling Fans

Homeowners looking for a way to save money on their heating and cooling costs should consider installing ceiling fans.  Properly used, a ceiling fan can work in conjunction with your heating and air conditioning system to help you stay comfortable at temperatures a few degrees higher in the summer and lower in the winter.  A few degrees may not sound like much, but the energy savings can add up quickly.

If you are installing a ceiling fan, be sure to get a fan that is reversible.  You will want to reverse the direction of the fan in the winter.  A competent handyman can install a typical ceiling fan, but if you have any doubt about your ability you should hire a home improvement contractor or electrician to do the installation.  Ceiling fans are heavy and can fall if improperly installed.  Further, the electrical connections are not completed properly there is a risk of fire.

Using the fan properly is the key to energy savings.  In the summer, the fan should be set so that you feel a breeze standing underneath it.  This breeze makes you feel cooler and allows you to set your thermostat a few degrees higher.

In the winter, turn the fan on low and reverse the direction.  This will create a flow of warm air from the ceiling where it accumulates down to the lower area of the room where it will help keep temperatures a few degrees warmer.

If you are considering a ceiling fan because your air conditioner or heating system can’t keep you and your family comfortable, you may need residential HVAC maintenance.  Have your HVAC system serviced by a reputable HVAC contractor.