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Replace That Old Thermostat With A Digital One This Holiday

Everyone has that one person who is nearly impossible to shop for. That “person who has everything.” Trying to find a unique and personal gift for that person is an exercise in futility. But that’s because most people don’t think of a new thermostat as a gift. 

Many folks assume that a new thermostat comes with a new HVAC unit, which is sometimes the case. But it doesn’t have to be. In fact, a new thermostat could be the very best gift to give a homeowner, particularly if their current one is old or has been acting up. 

How Do I Know If I Need A New Thermostat?

An old thermostat can cause all kinds of problems. Unfortunately, without knowledge of HVAC systems, it can be hard to tell if the thermostat is to blame or not. Sometimes thermostat issues masquerade as issues with the heating or cooling units. 

There are, however, some telltale signs that a thermostat needs replacing. The first (and most obvious) is when the thermostat doesn’t respond to changes in temperature or temperature settings. When a homeowner turns up the heat or the air conditioning down, and the unit doesn’t kick on, something’s likely wrong with the thermostat. 

Another issue involves the rapid cycling of the heating or cooling unit. Sometimes thermostats are located in areas where they can’t get accurate readings of the house’s temperature. This results in quick cycling, driving energy costs up. And finally, if the home’s thermostat is manual, it’s time to replace it. 

Upgrading to a programmable or smart thermostat can save you money and wasteful energy usage. This can also help extend the lifespan of your heating and cooling system and make for less intense maintenance. Upgrading to a newer, digital thermostat can be a bit pricey but that cost is often recouped within the first year of more efficient energy use. 

4 Different Types Of Thermostats

There are four main types of thermostats available today. The kind of thermostat that you choose for your home should best suit your needs and lifestyle

  1. Manual thermostats are the most basic. They have a couple of buttons or a lever to control the temperature. Manual thermostats don’t offer the same programmable benefits you can find with the other three thermostats, but they’re cost effective for someone who doesn’t need access to these benefits 
  2. Programmable thermostats are a step up from manual, meaning they can be programmed with an optimal schedule, which can save the homeowner money by only operating during certain hours depending on the day of the week. 
  3. Wi-Fi thermostats can be operated and programmed from a phone, even if that phone is halfway across the world. As long as there is a working internet connection, the thermostat can take commands remotely, meaning you can set the temperature of your home from a smart device. Otherwise, it can be controlled at the source, like any other thermostat. 
  4. Smart thermostats are becoming popular because they learn and optimize according to the household’s schedule. They are the most energy-efficient and can also be integrated as part of a smart home system. 

Keep in mind that smart thermostats and wifi thermostats might be available for purchase in most major retail stores. While these sets might include instructions on how to set them up yourself, it’s wise to have a heating and cooling professional help you. Not only will this ensure your new thermostat is installed correctly, but ultimately a heating and cooling professional can check for underlying issues that a malfunctioning thermostat could mask. 

The Benefits of Removing Thermostats That Are Outdated

If your thermostat works well, should you go ahead and upgrade it to something digital? In most cases, yes! Smart thermostats offer a variety of benefits, such as reducing energy costs and the ability to adjust temperatures remotely. Since these thermostats have movement detectors, they can optimize a home’s schedule, even down to the day of the week or at the scope of an entire season. 

This makes them incredibly easy to program. Plus, they can provide usage stats and figures in almost real-time, so it’s easy for a homeowner to determine quickly how much energy they’re using and whether to make adjustments.  

About Wolfgang’s Cooling and Heating

Wolfgang’s Cooling and Heating has been serving Ahwatukee, AZ, happily since 1982. They are family-owned and operated with attention to detail and customer service. Their techs are trustworthy, punctual, and happy to provide 24/7 service. Call them today for more information about our indoor air quality services and thermostat replacements in Ahwatukee.