Replacing Your Thermostat: A Small Investment That Can Yield Big Benefits

Finding that “Goldilocks” spot—where it’s not too hot, not too cold, but just right—is one of the most important parts of creating a comfortable indoor environment. To help ensure that the temperature in your home is spot-on, you need a thermostat that’s working perfectly.

But how do you know it’s time to upgrade your thermostat? Here are some signs:

It’s Older Than 10 Years

If the thermostat on your HVAC system predates 2013, chances are it’s time to invest in a new model. Newer thermostats are more efficient, often heating and cooling your home more effectively. They may even save you some money.

It’s Not Programmable

A programmable thermostat allows you to create pre-set temperatures that work with your schedule without the need for constant manual adjustments. Some programmable thermostats are WiFi-enabled, allowing you to raise or lower your temperatures when you’re not even home.

Your HVAC System Turns Itself Off And On

The thermostat is the device that tells the heating and cooling part of the system what the temperature is in your home. When it is worn out, it may not communicate accurately with the rest of the system, causing it to turn itself off and on often. 

Your Bills Are Higher Than Usual

A faulty thermostat may not measure the temperature in your home accurately. Therefore, the information it provides to the HVAC system will be incorrect—often triggering the heating or cooling elements to work overtime. When you get a bill that’s higher than you expect, it may be time to replace your thermostat.

It Gives Faulty Readings Or Doesn’t Respond To Setting Adjustments

When the temperature reflected on your thermostat seems out of line, use an indoor thermometer to double check. If the readings don’t match, changing out your thermostat may be all you need to do.

The Air Temperature Keeps Changing

Do you notice that the ambient temperature in your home is variable? Once again, a worn-out thermostat can be sending faulty signals to the HVAC system, making it difficult to maintain a constant temperature.

Setting your thermostat properly is one of the most important things you can do with your system. Once you’ve upgraded, here are a tips and ideas we recommend you do to save money on your energy bills and HVAC service:

• In the winter, set the thermostat to the lowest temperature at which you are comfortable. In the summer, set the thermostat at the highest for your comfort level. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the most efficient settings are 68 degrees in the winter and 78 degrees in the summer. For both heating and cooling, your operating costs increase percentage-wise for each degree your thermostat is raised or lowered.
• Make sure your thermostat is away from appliances and devices that generate heat—TVs, lamps, computers and stereo equipment—that can fool it into thinking your home is warm enough, and keep it from signaling the system to come on.
• Having your indoor fan set to “auto” provides better humidity control in the summer and costs less.

Upgrading your thermostat is a relatively small investment that yields big benefits. Holtzople’s Heating & Air Conditioning technicians are qualified to inspect and replace thermostats and offer personalized services to keep your system running smoothly and efficiently. We proudly serve central Maryland and southern Pennsylvania with unmatched heating and air conditioning services and product installations. Call us at 855-961-0007 or email [email protected].