Last week, Sylvia from Eustis called in to speak to our professional staff about which thermostat she should purchase with her new system. As knowledge is power, our team offers the following insight for your power. On this note, if you have a question about your air conditioning or heating system, give us a call at 321-972-9935 or write to me directly at [email protected] and we’ll take care of business.
The truth is, not many consumers have been schooled in this matter, which may cost you lots of money in the short and long run. If you’re not careful, lack of knowledge may lead to you being taken advantage of. Protect yourself by getting the right information before making that next purchase, repair, or service.
Purchasing a new air conditioning and heating system is a big deal. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.
For your protection, research not just the product, but also the company you are contracting. Ask questions, and get several recommendations. Even ask about thermostat options. Then YOU figure out what is best for your budget (not all thermostats cost the same) as well as your needs and wants.
Think about the thermostat for a second. The thermostat is your only form of communication with the system that is largely responsible for your comfort. For most, the thermostat is just a pretty little panel of buttons on your wall that you walk by without a second thought. The problem is, if you do not understand this panel, frustration can turn a cool mind into a hot stir.
Important note: You do have a window of choice when it comes to your thermostat. There are guidelines, but within those guidelines you can find something that works well for you. Thus, the importance of working with an air conditioning company you trust.
Thermostat guidelines are relatively simple. One basic rule is that your thermostat must be compatible with the kind of system that you have (for example, a straight cool thermostat for a straight cool system). This is especially true with a variable speed system, for which you will need a thermostat capable of dehumidification.
If you’re not sure about dehumidification or what variable speed systems are, give us a call and we’ll be glad to get you up to speed.
With a few basic guidelines in tow, let’s check out three thermostat categories:
Old-Fashioned
These are your analogue thermostats, with the dial and the little lever on the side and the slide buttons on top that you can’t see without a step-stool or tiptoes. These thermostats contain mercury and, as a result, you cannot get them anymore. If you still have one of these, you may want to seriously consider an upgrade. So you know, upgrading is relatively inexpensive and one of our trained professionals can be in and out of the house in no time.
Simple
There are digital thermostats that are easy to operate. The screen is legible and there are a limited amount of self-explanatory buttons that will make your house either warmer or cooler. Who could ask for more? No doubt about it, this is a popular choice for those seeking functionality without lots of bells and whistles.
The Techie
For those desiring complete control of every aspect of each degree of your house at every moment from any place in your life’s radius, this is the thermostat for you. You can get a programmable one or one that also controls the humidity in your house, even one with Wi-Fi that you can control from your computer or smart-phone.
This isn’t the full extent of thermostat ins and outs but I believe we are well on the way to air conditioning and consumer empowerment. The moral of this bite is for you to remember that you do have options, and just a moment of consideration is likely to save you time, money, and frustration for the foreseeable future.
If you are thinking about replacing or upgrading your air conditioning thermostat or purchasing a new complete system, do yourself a favor and ask questions to ensure the thermostat (and unit) is right for you… not the company selling the system.
Keep cool and empowered,
Rikki Payne
Your A/C and heating connection
www.Tropical-Air.com
