Here in Port Charlotte, FL, it would be hard to get through the summer without your home’s HVAC. However, if you’re like most local residents, you likely don’t think too much about your HVAC until there’s a problem. For example, when was the last time you took a good look at your home’s thermostat? If it’s been a while, you may have missed a variety of subtle clues that it’s time for a new one. The latest thermostats add a bevy of features to your HVAC and can improve its operating efficiency. Here are some of the reasons why you should consider a thermostat replacement and what you have to gain.
Signs That Your Old Thermostat Needs Replacement
Just because your existing thermostat still turns your HVAC on and off doesn’t mean it’s working properly. Here are some of the signs you should look for that indicate a need for a thermostat replacement.
Fluctuating Temperature
If you’ve recently noticed your home feeling too hot or cold, your thermostat could be the reason. This is a symptom that goes hand in hand with higher energy bills. Extended HVAC runtime can leave your home warmer or cooler than you want it. An aging thermostat also may contribute to wider-than-expected temperature swings inside your home. So, if your home suddenly feels less comfortable than it used to, a new thermostat might solve your problems.
Incorrect Temperature Display
In many homes, a thermostat is the only thermometer you’ll find in operation. Unfortunately, that can keep you from noticing another sign that you need a new thermostat. Often, older thermostats will no longer tell you the correct temperature inside your home. To find out if yours has this problem, just place a thermometer beside it. If the two readings don’t match, you should consider replacing your thermostat.
Slow Temperature Change Response
When your thermostat is working properly, it should respond immediately when you change the set temperature. In other words, it should turn on your HVAC almost instantaneously. If yours doesn’t do this, it could be a sign that it’s having difficulty communicating with your HVAC. Or, it could be a sign that the thermostat has a mechanical issue. In either case, you should take this as a sign that you need a new thermostat.
Your Thermostat Is Over 10 Years Old
Did you know that the average lifespan of a residential HVAC thermostat is just 10 years? Despite that fact, plenty of homes have thermostats far older than that. If yours is one of them, you should consider replacing it. A 10-year-old thermostat likely lacks a variety of features that even basic thermostats of today provide.
Options for Replacing Your Thermostat
The good news is that there are plenty of thermostats available at various price points and levels of sophistication. So, you don’t necessarily need to spend a fortune to replace your thermostat with a modern one. The following are three popular thermostat types for you to choose from.
Basic Digital Thermostat
If you now own a conventional, manually operated mechanical thermostat, you may love its simplicity. If so, you could replace it with a basic digital thermostat. These look and act like old-school mercury-switch thermostats. However, they replace those components with digital sensors and an LED display. By switching to one, you will gain more precise temperature readings and controls. They are the most basic and inexpensive thermostats on the market.
Programmable Thermostats
Programmable thermostats are like the more basic digital thermostat models, with one major difference. It’s that they allow you to set heating and cooling schedules and will automatically follow them. All of them feature daily temperature schedule settings. However, some models allow you to preprogram as many as six temperature changes each day. They’re perfect for people who come and go from home on a regular schedule. They’re also a good fit for anyone looking to improve the efficiency of their HVAC system. On average, a programmable thermostat can save you up to 10% on your energy bills compared to a basic thermostat. At that rate, the average programmable thermostat can pay for itself in as little as a single year.
Smart Thermostats
Finally, you could give your HVAC system a full modern makeover by installing a smart thermostat. Smart thermostats feature Wi-Fi connectivity and a wide range of useful features. For one, they allow you to control your home’s HVAC from a smartphone app. They also feature advanced learning capabilities that allow them to adjust the temperature based on your habits. For example, a smart thermostat may automatically adjust the temperature whenever you leave your home. Some models even use location data from your smartphone to detect your presence.
According to the Department of Energy, a smart thermostat can save you 8% compared to a programmable thermostat. However, there are smart thermostat models that can save you even more than that. According to Nest, you can expect between 12% and 15% savings from its smart thermostats. And Ecobee claims that its smart thermostats can save you up to 26% on your energy bills. Plus, they will extend the lifespan of your HVAC system by preventing unnecessary wear and tear.
There are even smart thermostats that allow for the use of multiple remote temperature sensors. This can help you to improve your home’s comfort by prioritizing conditions in the rooms you occupy. For example, you might tell your thermostat to rely on a sensor in your bedroom overnight. That way, you’ll have the exact sleeping conditions you want. Then, you can tell it to switch to a sensor in your living room in the evening. The comfort customization options are near-endless with a smart thermostat.
Your Local HVAC Thermostat Specialists
No matter what kind of new thermostat you want for your Port Charlotte home, TitanZ Plumbing & Air Conditioning can help. Our HVAC technicians can assess your existing thermostat’s conditions and recommend the right replacement. We also offer HVAC installation, repair, and maintenance services to go with our thermostat services.
Plus, we offer a complete array of plumbing services for your home. We even offer 24/7 emergency services, should you ever need them. TitanZ Plumbing & Air Conditioning has served local homeowners since 2007, building a reputation for fair prices and quality service. That’s why we have such a long list of positive reviews from local homeowners just like you! We’re also members in good standing with the Charlotte County and North Port Chambers of Commerce.
If you need a new thermostat installed in your Port Charlotte home, call TitanZ Plumbing & Air Conditioning today!