6 Benefits of Using a Programmable or Smart Thermostat For Your AC Unit
Emily
We’ve all heard how setting the thermostat to a higher temperature while we’re not home will help us save money. While it’s true, let’s take a look at the average day in the life of a family of four:
Mornings are hectic, with parents rushing to get kids ready for school. If you make breakfast and prep lunches, the kitchen will be hotter than the rest of the house.
Kids start arguing with each other or complaining about whatever is in vogue for them to lament this week.
Dad leaves first. Teenager number one leaves. Mom is still arguing with kid number two to put his socks on.
Finally, everyone leaves. Did anyone remember to turn up the thermostat?
3 Benefits of a Programmable Thermostat With Your Air Conditioner
We get it. You have a lot going on. And it’s Round 2 all over again during the evenings.
This is precisely why it makes sense to have a programmable thermostat. By installing one in your home, you get the following benefits:
1. Schedule everything in advance. No one has to worry about keeping track of this. If your home is typically empty by 9:00 AM, set it so that the temperature goes up at that time. If you all typically stay home on weekends, adjust the settings for that portion of the week.
2. Be comfortable when you get home. Even if you remembered to change your thermostat settings every morning, on particularly hot days, you’d arrive to a stuffy home. With a programmable thermostat, you can adjust the temperature to whatever makes you happy half an hour or so before everyone starts arriving home.
3. Save money on your monthly energy bill. Adjusting your temperature between 7 to 10 degrees on a daily basis results in savings of up to 10% of your regular electricity bill.
3 Benefits of a Smart Thermostat With Your Air Conditioner
Installing a smart thermostat takes the ease factor to the next level:
4. Let sensors get the job done. With a smart thermostat, sensors are able to detect activity patterns within your home and automatically adjust accordingly. So you wouldn’t even have to schedule settings.
5. Control settings remotely. Have you ever gone on vacation and wondered if you turned off the AC? Wonder no more. One of the best benefits of a smart thermostat is that you can control it from your mobile phone, wherever you are.
6. It’s a virtual assistant. Some smart thermostat models also have settings for voice recognition or with an indicator light that lets you know when it’s time to change your air filters.
These are also a better option for people who have irregular schedules.
How to Install a Programmable Thermostat
You could install a programmable or smart thermostat on your own. You would need to:
Turn off the AC breaker
Turn off the AC unit
Pop off the thermostat cover with a screwdriver
Take a picture of what it looks like before you disconnect the wires.
Disconnect the wires
Unscrew the base of the old thermostat off the wall
Follow the steps on the new thermostat’s owner’s manual to install it.
Connect it to your home’s Wi-Fi
How to Install a Smart Thermostat
You could also install a smart thermostat on your own. You’ll need a screwdriver or drill to get this done.
Turn off the AC breaker
Turn off the AC unit
Remove the old thermostat (keep the wires attached)
Same as above: Take a picture of the wires before disconnecting them
Unscrew the base of the old thermostat
Reconnect the wires exactly the same way they were connected before
The wiring terminals will vary depending on make and model of thermostat. Follow the steps on the new thermostat’s owner’s manual.
Connect wires into the designated terminals/plugs of the new thermostat.
Install thermostat screen.
Turn on the AC breaker.
Follow directions on the smart thermostat screen.
Name your thermostat (the same way you name your Wi-Fi connection). This will make it easier to control it remotely.
Connect to Wi-Fi network
Call A+ Air Conditioning in Gainesville to Have a Smart or Programmable Thermostat
Some people are natural born handymen. Others get overwhelmed by dealing with cables (which is very understandable). If you want to play it safe or make sure that everything’s installed properly, let us help you.
Call us at (352) 374-4988 or fill out an online query form and we’ll get you on your way to lower your energy costs.