There are many ways to save money on heating and cooling, from installing new windows to updating your furnace, but something as small as adding a new thermostat can go a long way to paying less in energy expenses.
What to Know Before Installing
Before you shop for a thermostat, you need to consider how much flexibility you want in its programming, the model’s voltage requirement and what kind of heating/cooling system you already have installed. There’s a thermostat for any system. Some work only with heating or cooling systems, while others can be used for both your furnace and your AC. If you have more than one heating source, like a forced air furnace supplemented with baseboard heating, selecting a multi-stage heat/cool model will work for you.
Programmable: Thermostats save money by regulating the temperature of your home according to your specifications. Programmable versions are excellent because you can either set a regular heating/cooling schedule per day, or have one set for the entire week. For instance, if you work from 9-5, you don’t need the air conditioner to run as much during those hours over hot Minnesota summers. You can program the cooling system to switch off after you leave, and then switch back on shortly before you get back, so the house is comfortable when you return. There are systems available which allow you to set different programs for the weekends, and most can be overridden manually. Autochangers: For unpredictable temperatures, you can also purchase a model which employs autochanger technology. This type works by switching the heat or air conditioner on when sensors set throughout the house detect the temperature drops or rises too much.
These systems all work to save you money because they automatically turn systems on or off only when they need to be used. They’re a small, but very effective change any homeowner can make to ensure a more energy efficient home.
