Should I Upgrade My Thermostat?

For modern homeowners, energy-efficiency has become the never-ending journey. We want stronger and more efficient HVAC systems, efficient lighting, optimized insulation—anything that can both improve comfort and minimize energy costs. It’s a good goal.

But can a something as simple as a thermostat actually make a noteworthy impact? Should you invest in a thermostat upgrade? Follow along with the expert HVAC technicians at Shanklin Heating & Air Conditioning while we cover the potential perks of a new energy-efficient thermostat!

What Are Thermostat Upgrades?

The simplest definition of an upgrade is to take something and make it better than it was. Modern thermostat upgrades typically mean one of two things: a programmable thermostat, and a smart home or “wi-fi” thermostat.

Feeling a bit lost? Let’s go over the two before we go on.

A programmable thermostat operates much in the way your traditional digital thermostat works, but it offers just a little bit more. A programmable unit (as you probably would expect), is programmable, meaning it can employ determined routines that raise and lower the temperature in your home according to your preferences. Most commonly this is used to program the system to turn down the thermostat while you’re away at work, or while sleeping, in order to save energy.

A smart thermostat takes the perks of a programmable unit and puts them a step (okay, a few steps) forward. Wi-fi thermostats can be set to run routines and can be controlled via tablet or phone. But they also can provide sophisticated energy use reports, alerts, and can even learn your preferences and tailor the HVAC system to suit them in the most efficient manner possible. It’s all the future tech you could want in a thermostat, sans maybe a digital butler.

Can They Really Make a Difference in Efficiency?

Think about it like this: every single degree you set your system up or down to represents roughly 8-12% more energy used. That number can be huge when you’re talking about a year’s worth of energy use, and this is where a thermostat upgrade shows its mettle. By streamlining your comfort needs and operating only as needed, a programmable thermostat or smart thermostat can shave dollars at a time off of your utility costs each and every month.

Is it going to change the world? No, or not yet, anyway. But is it going to save you money on your heating and cooling bills? Yes, it most certainly will. And everyone is finding out! The number of homes that are equipped with an upgraded thermostat like the Ecobee4 Wi-Fi Smart Stat has more than sextoupled in the past four years, and that number is projected to climb even higher in the next couple.

Thermostat Upgrades and Smart Home Technology with Shanklin

Think a thermostat upgrade is in order for your Dalton or Massillon home? Our experts think so, too! If you want to find out more, or want to see what kinds of products we have on offer, we would encourage you to contact us any time online.