Maybe you want a little more functionality from your thermostat. Maybe you have kids running around the house, and you’ve decided that it’s time to replace the old unit containing mercury. Whatever your reason may be, it’s time to get a new thermostat, and you have plenty of options to choose from.
Arthur Hagar is here to keep your home comfortable, and we’ve been Fort Worth’s HVAC specialists for more than 60 years. We can help you find the right home thermostat for you, and our HVAC installation team can make swapping out your old one quick and easy. Continue reading for more guidance on how to find the right thermostat for your needs and call Arthur Hagar today to ask about our selection of Carrier programmable thermostats!
Compatibility
The first step to finding a new thermostat is determining what kind of heating and cooling system your home uses. Central heating and air is popular, but there are several different forms this can take, including 24 volt, gas, oil, and electric. You may also have a heat pump or more basic baseboard. Whatever kind of heating and cooling system you have, your thermostat needs to be able to communicate with it, so make sure you check compatibility before investing in any one thermostat.
Types of Thermostats
Another consideration to make when buying a new thermostat is what kind of thermostat you want to have. There are several options, and if you are willing to pay more, you can find models with a lot of features you may find helpful.
Manual Thermostats
Manual thermostats are the most basic models available, and likely the cheapest. If you spend a lot of time at home and you like a consistent temperature, then a manual thermostat will probably work just fine for your needs. They can come in either a mechanical or digital model.
Programmable Thermostats
A thermostat that can be programmed is the next step up, and is the kind of thermostat found in most homes. You can save energy and money on your utility bills by setting different temperatures according to your activities. As we’ve discussed in a previous blog, you can let your HVAC system rest while you’re asleep or away from home, letting the temperature rise closer to the outdoor temperature in the summer and vise versa in the winter. With an accurate schedule, your thermostat will return your home to your preferred comfort levels by the time you wake up or come home.
Smart Thermostats
The most advanced options on the market are smart thermostats. These models can be programmed, but typically don’t need to be. They will learn from how you adjust the temperature throughout the day and create a schedule for you, aiming to both keep you comfortable and find the most energy-efficient settings. Many of them also connect to WiFi, so you can monitor and manage your heating and cooling settings from anywhere.
Programming Options
With programmable thermostats – smart or not – being so popular, we thought we would walk you through what further options you may face. Additional functionality may cost more, but it can be worth it in the long-term for the savings you stand to gain with a smart heating and cooling schedule.
One-Week Programming
Even the most basic model should give you the ability to program different temperatures for nights, mornings, work hours, and evenings. That way, you can choose the climate you feel most comfortable in and have it ready for you when you are awake and at home. While you are away or asleep, your thermostat can adjust the temperature closer to the climate outdoors in order to give your HVAC system a break and save on energy bills.
5-2 Programming
For a slightly higher cost, you can further customize your schedule with settings for weekdays and the weekends. Let the thermostat adjust when you leave for work Monday through Friday, and then keep the temperature consistent through Saturday and Sunday when you are more likely to be at home. Or you can design your own five-day/two-day schedule and match it to your lifestyle!
5-1-1 Programming
Perhaps Saturdays are your lazy days watching movies on the couch, and then you kick into high gear to do all your errands on Sunday. If that sounds like you, or your schedule on weekends are wildly different, then you may want to invest in a programmable thermostat with options for weekdays and separate settings for Saturday and Sunday each.
Seven-Day Programming
If the idea of having a “work week” makes you laugh, or your schedule changes every single day, then a seven-day programmable thermostat can give you the option to truly customize your heating and cooling system to your needs. These models let you program a different schedule for each and every day of the week so you can stay comfortable without having to fight with the pre-programmed schedule or punch buttons.
Call Arthur Hagar Today
There are a lot of options when it comes to choosing a new thermostat. While it may seem overwhelming, the long list of customizable models means that you are sure to find a thermostat that fits your lifestyle. Let Arthur Hagar help! We have been working with Fort Worth families since 1949 on HVAC installation, repairs, and maintenance, and we would be more than happy to help you find the perfect home thermostat. Call today to learn what we have to offer as a Carrier-authorized dealer and don’t forget to schedule a little HVAC maintenance before winter!
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