For years, the only option we had to control the operation of our furnaces was the traditional thermostat. Older thermostats were little more than on-and-off switches; they caused the furnace to come on when indoor temperatures fell below the setting at the thermostat, and then switch off when the temperature got high enough. The temperature swing between coming on and shutting off could vary as much as 5 degrees. This cycle of operation creates unsettling comfort by making the occupants of the home hot one minute and then cold the next. It also waste a considerable amount of money by overshooting the desired setpoint for every heating cycle.
Programmable thermostats are an efficient and cost-effective alternative to the antiquated mercury-switch models and digital non programming thermostats. Programmable thermostats give you much more control over when, at what level and for how long your furnace runs, as well as being able to control humidifier operation and more. A programmable thermostat can immediately reduce the cost of operating your furnace while at the same time improving your home comfort level.
With a programmable thermostat, you can make use of preprogrammed set points. These are temperature levels at which the furnace runs less and uses less fuel. For example, a programmable thermostat lets you run your furnace at a lower level when less heating is needed, such as when you and your family are out of the house during the day, or after everyone has gone to bed at night. The thermostat also lets you start the furnace at a specified time of day so that your home is warm and comfortable when family members are getting up in the morning to start their day or when they get home at night.
If you are planning to be away from home for several days, use the thermostat’s “vacation” feature. Similar to daily set points, this feature lets you put your home’s temperature a few degrees warmer in summer or cooler in winter during the time you’re away. This saves energy and money by not running your temperature-control system at normal levels when no one is home for an extended period to need it.
Since 1983, Overland Park Heating & Cooling has provided reliable residential, commercial and industrial heating and cooling services to customers in the greater Kansas City area. Contact us todayfor information on programmable thermostats or for help finding and installing a model that will work best for you.
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