Programmable thermostats have become increasingly popular in recent years, with more homeowners upgrading from the old-school manual models each year. So what have they got that simple mechanical thermostats don’t? Features that boost home comfort, convenience and energy efficiency. If you’re still using an older thermostat, here are a few good reasons that upgrading to a programmable model may be a good idea for you:

• Automatic temperature setting adjustments – Programmable thermostats can change temperature settings automatically, reducing heating or cooling when the house is empty. Of course, you can adjust a manual thermostat every morning as you leave for work, but it will stay just where you set it until you come home. That means you’ll have to wait a bit for temperatures within your comfort zone, whereas a programmable model can adjust an hour before you arrive when programmed correctly.
• Lower energy bills – When used to its full potential, automatic temperature adjustment will save you money, since your HVAC system won’t be working hard to heat or cool an empty home, a change that can shave anywhere from 5 to 15 percent off your energy bills.
• Precise settings – Newer touchscreen technology offers the ability to set temperatures more precisely than older dial models.
• Maintenance alerts – Some programmable thermostats offer features that remind you when it’s time for air filter changes, protecting system efficiency, and some can even alert you and/or your HVAC service contractor when there are problems with your system.

So how hard is it to replace the thermostat? Not very. It’s a quick, simple job that many homeowners do on their own – just follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer. However, if you aren’t very handy or you’re upgrading to a model that has a lot of features, go ahead and ask an HVAC technician install your new thermostat and show you how to set it properly.

For more information on programmable thermostats or help installing one, please feel contact us at Bill Joplin’s Air Conditioning & Heating. Our skilled HVAC technicians have been serving homeowners in the McKinney, Frisco and Allen areas since 1978.