If you’re a homeowner in Torrance, California, chances are you’re looking for the most efficient ways to save money on energy. An HVAC programmable thermostat or a smart thermostat are common ways to cut down on your energy usage and save more money on your bills. But how can you determine which one is best for your home? Our Torrance HVAC team has a few tips on how to choose the right one.
Smart VS. Programmable Thermostat
Although there are three types of thermostats, manual, programmable, and smart, only two types are common in homes today. Smart and programmable thermostat options are in millions of homes because of their energy efficiency. However, both of these options have similarities and differences that can increase energy efficiency in your home. Let’s explore both of these thermostat options to help you determine which one is best for your Torrance heating and cooling system.
Programmable Thermostat
Many people today have a programmable thermostat for their HVAC system. A programmable thermostat allows you to input and set the temperatures throughout the day. You can pre-set which temperatures you want for any time of day. Some thermostats allow you to preset the temperatures for every day of the week. These thermostats can help you save hundreds of dollars on your electric bill each year.
You can usually find these thermostats in three different models:
- 7 Day programming model – you can schedule a different temperature for each day
- 5 – 2 model – This allows you to schedule one temperature for weekdays and one for the weekends.
- 5 -1 -1 model – You can set one temperature for the weekdays, one for Saturday, and one for Sunday.
Understanding your family’s needs and your family’s schedule can help you determine which programmable thermostat model is right for your home.
How to Program A Thermostat
Programming a thermostat is a simple task. Most programmable thermostat models work the same way, making it easy to set for any day of the week. Each one has small differences depending on the manufacturer. You will need to check your owner’s manual for exact specifications. It’s also important to remember that you’ll need to make adjustments according to the seasons. This means that although you’ve programmed certain temperatures each week, you may need to reset them as the seasons change.
Benefits Of A Programmable Thermostat
A programmable thermostat provides many benefits for your home and can save you money on your electric bill. This option allows you to control the temperature in your home and has several other benefits.
Prolongs HVAC Lifespan
Whether you have a furnace-programmable thermostat or you are using it mostly for your air conditioner, this option prolongs the lifespan of your HVAC. Here in California, homeowners still experience changing seasons and use both the air conditioning unit and the furnace year-round. A programmable thermostat can prolong your HVAC lifespan by reducing the number of times you adjust the temperature. You can set specific times for the system to run, reducing your unit’s stress.
Provides Advanced Features
Many homeowners love the advanced features option that comes with many programmable thermostats. These include Wi-Fi options, weather patterns, and mobile options. We will talk about this more as we explore smart thermostat systems.
Fewer Temperature Adjustments
Since you can program your thermostat around your schedule, you can use less electricity with fewer temperature adjustments. This will save you money each month on your bill. You can even find a programmable thermostat for the baseboard heater.
Smart Thermostat Features
A smart thermostat is an upgraded version of a programmable thermostat. While it includes programmable functions, it comes with many more options. A smart thermostat is the way to go if you’re looking for a thermostat that will store your temperature data, sense room temperature, and more.
Wi-Fi Capability
Most smart thermostat systems have Wi-Fi capability that allows you to access current weather, make phone calls, and more. This can help you determine how to adjust the temperature in your home.
Energy Usage Tracking
Many homeowners enjoy using the energy tracking feature on their smart thermostats. This feature provides real-time data that can help you reduce your energy costs.
Mobile Access
Having access to your thermostat when you’re away from home is a great and helpful feature. If you’re on vacation, you can adjust your temperature before you arrive back home.
Easy Installation
Much like programmable thermostats, smart thermostats are easy to install. While you need the right wiring before installation, the process is simple. Your local HVAC company can also help you install a new thermostat.
Which One Is Right For You?
Programmable and smart thermostats offer many benefits for homeowners. The big difference is choosing which one fits your unique home needs. Both options provide advanced features and cost savings on your bill. If you want an option with several multiple features, a smart thermostat may have what you want.
Contact Us For Service Today
If you’re looking for Torrance heating and air conditioning service, contact Total Home Environmental today. We are here to take your call and answer your questions.