Your Home Thermostat
A thermostat, while it looks like no more than a tiny device mounted on the wall, can save you a small fortune in electricity, particularly if it’s programmable or Smart. The reason is that your HVAC is the hardest working and most expensive device in your home to run, but it doesn’t need to be running at the same temperature all the time.
Many families have thermostat wars because our ideas of comfort are different. But, even a good disagreement on the best temperature for a home can be ruined if the thermostat isn’t working correctly. A properly working thermostat is crucial since an improperly functioning thermostat guarantees that your HVAC won’t work correctly, either.
Your HVAC controls the temperature of the air, and air quality, so it’s essential that the thermostat that controls it also works. Here are some things to keep in mind
Make sure it’s in the right place
If your thermostat is located in a poorly ventilated area, near a sunny window, or somewhere else where the temperature reading is inaccurate, it will fail to perform as efficiently as it could. In a situation such as described, it’s worthwhile to have it moved. Otherwise, it will just continue to function poorly.
It’s the first go-to during an HVAC failure
When your air conditioner stops working, the first thing you should do is go to the boss--the thermostat and look to see if it’s working. Check for the following:
If the screen isn’t displaying for you, that means the thermostat isn’t talking to your cooling system. If the batteries aren’t dead and the breaker hasn’t tripped in your electrical service panel, it’s something else.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can turn off the breaker and take the cover off the thermostat. You’re looking for one or more of these:
Dirt (dust, soot, mold, etc.)--Clean this the same way you would a computer component, with a soft brush or a can of compressed air.
Anything loose, such as terminals, screws, or wiring--screw them back down
Corrosion--most people decide to replace the thermostat rather than try to repair it themselves.
Replacement
If your thermostat needs to be replaced, whether you choose a traditional, programmable, or Smart unit, it’s worth weighing the cost against what the thermostat does and what it’s going to cost you if it doesn’t operate properly.
If you choose a Smart option, Best Reviews offers their two cents on which ones they feel are the best here.
If your electrical service is tied to one of the more austere energy pricing tiers, it’s very well worth your money to get a Smart thermostat, since you can control and monitor it while you’re away from home.
Also, if you have a Nest Thermostat and you’re with Salt River Project, they will give you $75 PLUS $25 more in credit for each thermostat in the following summer seasons. Read more about this sweet deal here.
Your thermostat has power that belies its tiny size and seeming insignificance. It’s worth the time and money to make sure it’s working the way it should and bringing comfort to your home and family. If you’re having a problem with it, or even if you think it might not be working right, it’s worthwhile to get it fixed.
Zimmerman Electric is here to serve your residential and commercial electrical needs throughout the Phoenix Valley metro area. Call us today if you need electrical work performed 602-497-3365.
