How Modern Thermostats Can Lower Your Electricity Costs

A homeowner controls a thermostat with an app on their cell phone. The image shows both the cell phone screen and the smart thermostat synched at 77 degrees. They are also both sharing an orange background to highlight their connectivity.
Your Outdated Thermostat May Be Costing You Money

Does your monthly energy bill continue to rise year after year? If so, your old thermostat might need an upgrade. Unfortunately, inefficient or faulty thermostats are easy to overlook. Many homeowners instead blame HVAC inefficiency on AC units, heat pumps, poor insulation, or furnaces.

However, an underlying culprit is often your thermostat, which can strain your HVAC system and waste energy. An old and/or malfunctioning thermostat model can leave your HVAC system continuously running. This scenario can increase monthly utility bills and burden your HVAC system, leading to more frequent breakdowns, repairs, and maintenance needs. Today, Aire Serv of Nashville is going to guide you through all the ways your old thermostat may be costing you money.

Faulty Temperature Sensors & Readings

Over time, aged thermostats can become erroneously calibrated. When this happens, your thermostat is likely to read the temperature inaccurately. As a result, the thermostat can turn on and off prematurely – failing to maintain the desired indoor temperature you programmed.

An old thermostat can also register “ghost” readings. “Ghost” readings commonly occur when a thermostat is triggered by direct sunlight or near a cold draft. If a thermostat lacks the proper calibration and programming controls, it can turn on the AC or furnace at unnecessary moments, wasting power and electricity. Don’t let your thermostat overcompensate and use more energy than you need. Upgrade today!

The Downsides of Constant Short-cycling

An old thermostat can also cause your HVAC system to undergo “short-cycling.” When this happens, your HVAC system will rapidly turn off and on without completing its intended heating or cooling cycle. Excessive short-cycling will put added stress on your unit, increase wear and tear, shorten the lifespan of your system, and spike your energy bills.

Faulty Connections & Inaccessibility

Old thermostats often lose connection with the HVAC system altogether. The inability to turn your AC or heating system or off can squander your money, energy, and indoor comfort. Avoid encountering a thermostat emergency in the middle of winter or summer by upgrading your device before it is too late. Nobody wants to bake or freeze in their own home.

Another issue with old-fashioned, analog thermostats is they lack virtual accessibility. With modern thermostats, you’ll be able to control your property’s temperature around the clock and from anywhere (so long as you have wireless connectivity). The energy-saving opportunities reaped from this convenient aspect of modern thermostats are tremendous.

Why Smart Digital Thermostats Are Worth the Investment

The latest wave of smart digital thermostats offers significant upsides to older models. Some of the most prominent benefits include:

  • Improved accuracy & energy efficiency
  • Remote programming capabilities that allow you to adjust your thermostat from the palm of your hand
  • The ability to schedule temperature shifts to occur while away or asleep
  • A thermostat that learns and adapts to daily/seasonal preferences and weather patterns
  • Room-by-room temperature control
  • And much more!

New thermostats provide advanced control and specificity when setting the temperature. By buying a smart thermostat and programming it correctly, you’ll never have to remember to adjust it manually again.

Modern Thermostat Options

Here’s a short & quick list of the various types of smart thermostats on the market today:

Programmable Digital Thermostats

This type is the most basic digital thermostat model. It offers users the ability to program the temperature directly through a screen and schedule specific temperatures at set hours.

Wireless Thermostats

A wireless thermostat can be connected directly to an app on your phone. This feature will allow you to adjust your thermostat programming anywhere with Wi-Fi or cell phone connectivity. Whether you look forward to cooling down your home during your summertime evening commute or warming your pipes during a wintertime vacation, a wireless thermostat offers dynamic control and incredible peace of mind.

Smart Home System Thermostats

Smart home systems are wireless thermostats that can also connect to other smart home products, such as your entertainment devices, HVAC system, lights, security system, etc. This smart feature adds extra convenience as you can control your thermostat from the same central app.

Increase Energy Efficiency by Replacing Your Thermostat Today

Are your electric bills repulsively steep? You’ve come to the right place if you’re ready to replace your old thermostat. Aire Serv of Nashville understands that mechanical/manual thermostats can cost homeowners more money than they spend to upgrade to a new and better device. We will help verify that the digital technology of your new thermostat is compatible with your current HVAC system and won’t cause any harm or electrical issues.

We can also install the new thermostat utilizing industry-best equipment and methodologies. If your home’s HVAC system is incompatible with a digital thermostat, we can install non-digital thermostats as well. You can rest assured knowing we’ll always recommend and install the optimal model for your property.

To learn more about our thermostat installation services, contact us online or call today!