Programmable Thermostat Features To Look For

Installing programmable thermostats is an easy way to reduce your energy use — and drive down your utility bills — especially if your Long Island home sits empty during a predictable time each day. These devices let you pre-set the times your A/C or heat goes on and off. As a result, you end up operating your HVAC system less when your family is sleeping or not home.

Many families have predictable weekly schedules. A good programmable thermostat can be set to a regular, repeatable schedule so don’t have to keep inputting your desired settings.

Other features to look for when considering a programmable thermostat:

  • The option to program a different schedule for weekends or other days when your routine changes.
  • Remote access via wireless Internet to outdoor weather reports. While you are adjusting the temperature inside your home, you will know what you are up against outside. All the weather information you need is presented on a convenient panel.
  • Some thermostats will warn you when it is time to change your HVAC system’s air filters — an important task that is easy to forget. Changing your filters helps avoid buildup of pollutants that force your system to work harder and use more energy.
  • Your thermostats should have a humidity monitoring and control system. An overly humid home is not only uncomfortable, but it can foster mold growth. Mold can damage your home and affect your family’s health.

Questions? Please feel free to contact T.F. O’Brien Cooling & Heating today — or anytime.

T.F. O’Brien Cooling & Heating services Long Island and surrounding areas.   We’re happy to answer any questions you may have about your cooling system and energy efficiency.

Our goal is to educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues.   Learn more about programmable thermostats and other HVAC topics by downloading our free Home Comfort Resource Guide.