Programmable Thermostat

Programming a thermostat might seem like a daunting task to any technophobes out there, but there are some very simple solutions.

• Every thermostat comes with a instruction booklet - and they have lots of pictures and are easy to follow.
• You only need to set your thermostat once! Then it just does it's thing, and you save money.
• Your contractor can help you to set your thermostat, or if you have a tech-ie friend (or young grandchild) they can do it fairly easily.
• If those don't work - there are always tutorials on the internet that will walk you through the process step by step.

You aren't saving any money on your new, efficient air system if you are still turning it off and on like an OLD system. It takes WAY less energy to maintain a constant temperature than it does to bring it up and down. It also take WAY less energy to keep a cool house cool than to cool down a really hot one. The more you let your thermostat do, the more money you are likely to save!

Virtual Thermostat

Do you have thermostat trouble?

I know, I know. Todays technology right? Just runs away. As soon as you buy a computer it's obsolete...and the same thing goes for cameras, mp3 players and virtually anything else with any type of computerized functions. Likewise, understanding a digital thermostat can be tricky. Well, what better way to gain understanding than to practice programming a thermostat on the internet? Wow. really. So, you go to this website: http://venstar.com/Thermostats/Simulators/Slimline_Residential_Launch.swf. It looks like this: So then, you can use your mouse to "press" (or click on) the various buttons. Very Easy. So, the red "arrow" on the left side, makes the temperature go up - making the room warmer. Right? 80 is warmer than 60. Makes sense. Conversely, the blue arrow pointing down (right below the red 'up' arrow) makes the temperature (the large number in the middle of the screen). Okay, when the "air" kicks on the green light goes on and when the heat goes on the red light goes on. That's how you know whether or not you are doing it right. On the left side of the screen in the top left corner there is a number (in degrees) and cool, below that a number and heat. These numbers are what the thermostat is set to and whether or not it is cooling or heating. Obviously, you don't want to heat during the summer (well, in California), so make sure that it is switched to cool. For advanced users, there is a "advanced function" section which explains all the other wonderful and technologically scary things the thermostat is able to do. This tool is also helpful in that a technician is able to "talk" a homeowner through the programming of the thermostat without having to be in the physical location of the homeowner.

"Why You Should Change Your Thermostat"

Suggestions found at: http://www.residential.carrier.com/knowledge/askme/changethermostats.shtml

Digital Thermostats Anyone?

Well, it might not seem like such a big deal - but really it can save you a lot of energy and money, especially when heating your home. On top of all that, it will probably make the temperature in your home more comfortable - consistency helps to prevent those problems a body has adjusting to temperatures. Digital thermostats are fairly easy to install and to work. All you do is program the thermostat to go on at certain temperatures (or certain times) or really, any other specific setting you need. Then, sit back & relax. The heater (or AC) turns itself on and off.

"According to EnergyStar.com, homeowners can save about $180 a year by changing thermostats to a new, digital, programmable thermostat and maintaining those settings. So, whether you are planning a remodel or simply trying to make your home as energy efficient as possible, you may want to change thermostats." - qtd from the Carrier page.

Or, if you would like, check it out at www.energystar.gov - they have even more suggestions on how to "winter-proof" your home, but a digital thermostat is one of them. If you DO have a digital thermostat- PLEASE don't use it like a manual thermostat. If you turn it on and off only when you want to, you are loosing out on any potential benefits. Your HVAC contractor can help with programming and answering questions. Don't be afraid to let your unit take care of itself. Plus, you might enjoy coming home to a nice, toasty house.