Thermostats
Hey you guys! So, I’ve been pretty busy lately! Some big things happened, and I am officially a proud first-time homeowner! I am so EXCITED to get started! I’m sure you guys are going to enjoy hearing about the trials that will come with it!
Currently, my latest obsession has been with thermostats. There is so much I personally didn’t know about that little discrete piece of technology hanging on your wall!
There are all kinds of thermostats out there, some are probably smarter than I am, but there are plenty that super easy to work!
Side Note- all thermostats are a little different so its always a good idea to keep the instructions that come with your thermostat.
The best place to start when looking to replace your thermostat is to make sure it’s compatible with your heating and cooling system. The most common system types are central heat or central heat and air, which can be 24-volt (V), gas, oil or electric. Other system types include heat pump, electric baseboard, fireplace and floor/wall furnace.
Smart
Smart thermostats offer the benefit of being programmable but don’t require you to program them. They learn as you use them and create a schedule based on your preferences. They can turn themselves down when you’re away, guide you to energy-efficient settings and provide monthly energy reports.
These thermostats connect to your home Wi-Fi network and can be monitored, set and managed over Wi-Fi from a computer, smartphone or tablet. Sensors can work with a smart thermostat to identify which rooms are cooler or warmer and adjust settings for you.
Remote Energy Management
A remote energy management thermostat allows you to set, program and monitor your heating and cooling system from a computer, smartphone or tablet. The thermostat connects through a hub (sold separately) to your home broadband network, allowing you to access it over Wi-Fi from anywhere.
Programmable
A programmable thermostat makes the most efficient use of your system by automatically adjusting the set temperature throughout the day. You let the thermostat know your preferred temperature at different times of the day and night, then forget about it — the thermostat does the work.
Digital Nonprogrammable
A nonprogrammable thermostat with a digital read-out is the best choice for people who prefer manually controlled settings with the convenience of an easy-to-read LCD display.
Manual
manual thermostat, you control the temperature setting manually. These are best for people who are home often and prefer a fixed temperature.
Most smart thermostats will require a continuous flow of electricity, which comes directly from your furnace's transformer. Some older homes might not have the wire that connects the thermostat to the furnace, called the C-wire. To determine whether or not you have a C-wire, detach your thermostat from the wall, find the terminal labeled "C" and see if there's a wire attached to it. If there is, you're good to go with a smart thermostat installation. If not, contact an electrician to determine the best path forward.
There are some awesome advantages with having a hard-wired thermostat. You don’t have to worry about batteries going dead or your batteries going weak and sending codes. However, the best reason, if you have a drain safety switch the thermostat will warn you when it has been tripped and you have to much water in your drain pan. This can save you BIG BUCKS, water damage can be brutal! Especially when you have an air handler in your attic! My mother had this happen about 10 years ago (before I started in the HVAC field) and it still give me anxiety thinking about the wet ceiling and insulation just falling on everything leaving a gaping hole in the attic! All in all, my family was lucky! No one was hurt and the air handler was still secured in the attic!
With that comes a word of advice!
DON’T PUT BATTERIES IN A THERMOSTAT THAT HAS BEED HARD WIRED IN! ITS WILL OVERRIDE THE SAFTY SWITCH AND IT WONT SIGNAL YOU IF THERE IS TO MUCH WATER!
Well guys, that’s it for now! I hope some of these helpful tid-bits will help! Just remember, you’ve got this! And if you ever feel overwhelmed call us over here at PRIVETTE HEATING AND AIR and we would be happy to help or even install a new thermostat for you!
-Tommie