Articles

With an average lifespan of 35 years, thermostats are some of the longest-lasting HVAC components. Even though your manual thermostat might still do basic things, such as adjust the temperature and switch from heat to cool, that doesn’t mean you should hold onto it until it breaks down. Discover how a programmable thermostat can improve your HVAC system’s operation and efficiency, and learn how to choose the right one for your Asheville, North Carolina, home.

Heating and Cooling Options

The first thing you’ll want to look for in any programmable thermostat is the ability to manage both heating and cooling. Whether your home relies on a heat pump year-round or you have a unit with both a furnace and an air conditioner, a new thermostat should be able to manage all systems effectively.

Many thermostat models can also switch between heating and cooling automatically. If you’re accustomed to doing this switch manually only twice a year, you might be surprised at the level of convenience this feature offers. If an unexpected temperature change happens while you’re at home, away, or asleep, a programmable thermostat can adjust to keep your family comfortable.

Zoning Systems

One of the many things that programmable thermostats can do that manual thermostats can’t is controlling individual heating and cooling zones in your home. Essentially, zoning systems allow you to divide your home into multiple areas that rely on independent heating and cooling settings. Zoning systems typically work best in larger homes or those that struggle with major temperature fluctuations.

If zoning systems sound like a smart option for your home, choose a programmable device like the Infinity Touch Control, which can control up to eight different zones in your home. With a device like this, you can rest assured that every room in your home will stay comfortable, no matter the season.

Extensive Scheduling Capabilities

All programmable thermostats allow you to set heating and cooling schedules, but some have more limited options than others. For the greatest flexibility, opt for a device that allows you to set a different schedule for each day of the week.

After all, not every family has a straightforward weekday and weekend schedule. By choosing a device with more capabilities, you’ll be able to program a schedule that accommodates your time at home, asleep, and away, even taking into account after-school activities and weekend plans. Program a schedule that works for your family, and you’ll keep cozy while saving energy.

Reminders and Alerts

From time to time, your HVAC system might be trying to tell you something. Without the right programmable thermostat, however, you won’t receive the message.

When you choose an Infinity Touch Control thermostat, you’ll receive reminders to change the air filter, which will improve indoor air quality and system performance. With this device, you’ll also receive alerts and see system diagnostics. Consult with our experienced technicians at Nicholson Company to make sure the thermostat you choose works seamlessly with your existing HVAC system.

Automatic Energy Management

Devices like the Nest also function as smart thermostats, which means they have additional capacity to keep you comfortable. While you can certainly program your schedule into this type of thermostat, it will make its own adjustments to keep your home comfortable.

The longer you own a Nest, the better it will get to know your climate control preferences and scheduling habits, so it can conserve energy when you don’t need it. This device also offers energy reports so you can see how much you’ve saved and make additional adjustments as necessary.

Remote Adjustments

You can’t adjust a standard programmable thermostat while you’re out of the house, but you can adjust a smart thermostat. Connect to devices like the Nest with your smartphone, and turn your climate control system on or off as necessary. Most smart thermostats can also recognize your smartphone’s location and turn on the HVAC system to welcome you home at the end of a long day.

Isn’t it time you gave your home’s thermostat an upgrade? Call our experts here at Nicholson Company to learn more about the right programmable thermostat for your home today: 828-697-2638.