Tag: programmable thermostats

Choosing a Programmable Thermostat

Posted on by T.F. O'Brien Cooling & Heating

Save Energy and Maintain Comfort With Programmable Thermostats

Programmable thermostats may be  the most intelligent household devices you can purchase for your home.  They pay dividends the first day you use them and features on newer devices go far beyond just temperature settings. Prices vary, but the choice to switch to programmable is not difficult once you know about the features and energy savings possible with these units.

So, what does a programmable thermostat do?

A programmable thermostat raises and lowers the temperature in your home all based on your energy requirements. For example, in the winter, we recommend you set your programmable thermostat on the low side after midnight because you’re in bed anyway.

Thermostats use different rules on different days so that the temperatures fit your daily activities. Here are three common programs:

7-day: You program each separate day of the week.
5+2 day: This has a Monday through Friday program , plus a weekend program.
5+1+1-day: Monday through Friday, plus separate Saturday and Sunday programs.

Lots of features are available in newer models, such as controls for humidifiers, dehumidifiers, ventilation systems, and the ability to set the thermostat remotely. You can get reminders for filter changes, your UV filters and just about any issue connected to your heating, cooling and humidification systems.

Carrier®’s Infinity Control programmable thermostat, which we consider our best thermostat, can adjust temperatures in up to eight different zones.  That makes it easy to save money by cutting back on heating and air conditioning in sections of your home that aren’t used as much or seem to naturally be warmer or cooler on their own. Bonus rooms built above a garage to serve as an office, but are hard to heat and cool, are perfect for this precise programming.

Of course, you want to choose a programmable thermostat that fits your system. The professionals at  T.F. O’Brien are happy to discuss the options and offer expert advice. Call us if we can help.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about preventive maintenance and other HVAC topics, please download our free  Home Comfort Resource guide.

Download T.F. O’Brien’s Free Home Comfort Solutions Guide

Posted on by T.F. O'Brien Cooling & Heating

We hope you’ve been following our blog each week, and getting your HVAC questions answered right here.   Whether it’s how to change a filter, improve your indoor air quality or size your replacement HVAC equipment, we want to make sure that you get the facts you need to make informed decisions about your home comfort.

Another handy resource for homeowners is our  Home Comfort Solutions Guide. This free download is available right here on our blog page, so be sure to check it out.   Inside, you’ll find a wealth of information about how to get the most from your heating and cooling equipment.

Here’s a sneak peek at some of the topics covered in our Guide:

  • Your house as a system- Your HVAC equipment works in conjunction with many other factors in your home to ensure your comfort.   Each piece of the puzzle is critical.
  • HVAC controls- Programmable thermostats and zoned systems are two ways to gain control over your home comfort and your energy bills.
  • Replacement options- Is it time for a replacement?   Which system is right for you?
  • Hiring an HVAC contractor- What to look for, questions to ask and signs that you’ve found the best contractor for you.
  • Equipment installation- The best HVAC equipment available won’t function properly if it’s installed incorrectly.   Find out how to tell if your contractor is doing the job right.
  • Maintaining your equipment- Regular professional maintenance can prevent equipment failure and early system breakdown.   Learn about how your contractor keeps your system running smoothly.

Our Home Comfort Solutions Guide also provides some important resources for homeowners, where you can get more information about maximizing the energy efficiency of your HVAC system to save money on your energy bills.

So take advantage of this free download today!   And be sure to ask us how we can help you get more from your heating and cooling system, with products and services designed to give you ideal home comfort, clean, healthy indoor air and greater energy savings.