Homeowner’s who want to save money on energy bills typically provide upgrades to their homes. They also compare energy factors on various models of heating and AC in Arlington, TX when it’s time to purchase a new one. However, there is an easy way to save energy. Did you know it’s possible to save as much as 20% when a programmable thermostat is installed?

A programmable thermostat offers accurate temperature control, and the ability to program it to suit your busy schedule. In addition, the thermostat eliminates forgotten thermostat changes before you leave or while you sleep. Those are the basics, but some models offer more features, such as energy reports, wireless connectivity, filter change alerts (a dirty filter cost you money in energy and repairs), some models even display an alert when there is a problem with the HVAC system, and more. Contact Minuteman Heating and AC today to schedule installation of a programmable thermostat or other professional services for your home’s heating and AC in Arlington, TX.

Smart Thermostat vs. Programmable Thermostat

A programmable thermostat provides precise control of the home’s temperature. In addition, they allow you to create a schedule according to your preferences and busy life. However, there are variations of it.

Smart thermostats are wireless programmable thermostats with additional features, which vary between brands and models, examples of the available features include but are not limited to the following:

• Automatic schedules and operation.
• Remote adjustment of the thermostat, so if you work late, you can adjust the thermostat while you are away with the use of a smart phone, tablet or computer.
• Notification of manual temperature changes to the thermostat via a smart phone, tablet or computer.
• Integration with home automation and security systems, including lighting control systems and more.
• Some programmable thermostats can guide you to energy efficient settings for your heating and AC in Arlington, TX.

Learning thermostats are programmable, but it isn’t necessary to actually program them. They learn as you manually use them, and create a schedule based on your selections as you adjust your home’s heating and AC in Arlington, TX. They will adjust the temperature when you’re away, just before you arrive home, while you sleep, and guide you to energy-efficient settings. In addition, they can provide monthly energy reports. They can connect to your home’s Wi-Fi network and can be monitored, set and remotely managed from a computer, smart phone or tablet. They are also an option for those who are not as comfortable with today’s technology, and who would like a custom schedule and to save energy. Since the home’s heating and AC in Arlington, TX is the largest consumer of energy, it makes sense to cut the costs as much as possible.

Now Available for Heat Pumps

Homeowner’s with heat pumps have long wanted the advantages of a programmable thermostat, but they were unavailable, until now. Various manufacturers are now providing them for heat pumps, enabling these home’s to increase their energy savings and take advantage of the features, and the benefits of more efficient heating and AC in Arlington, TX.

Tips for Programmable Thermostats

While locating a thermostat is the job of an installer, it isn’t uncommon for them to be improperly located. If this is your situation, it is likely costing you money. If you are wondering whether your thermostat is properly located, consider the following:

• The thermostat should be on an interior wall, not an exterior one. It should not be located near windows, doors, registers, appliances or fireplaces. It should not be in line with sunlight which will cause it to sense a false temperature.
• Program the thermostat around your household schedule. It should reflect a comfortable temperature when family members are home and awake. Set energy saving temperatures when you are away or sleeping. Use a vacation setting when away for an extended time. However, during the winter, don’t set the thermostat below 55 degrees F to avoid frozen pipes.

The U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting the thermostat back 10° to 15° for 8 hours or longer will help to save approximately 15 percent on the cost of heating. A programmable thermostat makes it easy to apply these settings while you’re at work or school, when the home is not occupied. Schedule the thermostat to return to a comfortable temperature about 15 minutes before family members will arrive home, and your home will be comfortable when you return.

• While you sleep is an additional time for saving on the cost of energy. For each degree the thermostat is set back, you will save 1% on the energy cost of heating. As with daytime settings, schedule the thermostat to raise the indoor temperature about 15 minutes before you wake up, to ensure a comfortable temperature as you prepare for work and/or school.
• If the thermostat utilizes a battery, ensure spares are always available. When a problem occurs with your heating and AC in Arlington, TX, check the thermostat first. If it’s flashing ‘Low”, change the battery. If the problem continues, contact Minuteman for the diagnosis and repair of your home’s heating and AC in Arlington, TX.
• If you’re frequently overriding the programmed setting, consider programming a different schedule. Frequent overrides defeat the purpose of saving energy.

A programmable thermostat is an economical means of saving energy, and eliminates the cost of forgotten temperature changes by automatically controlling the indoor temperature automatically, according to the settings you select. Contact Minuteman Heating and AC for the professional installation of a programmable thermostat by our NATE certified technicians. You can rely on Minuteman Heating and AC for reliable HVAC services for your home’s heating and AC in Arlington, TX. We serve Arlington, Mansfield and the surrounding areas, and are a member of the BBB with an A+ rating.