Programmable Thermostat: Comfort When You Want It

To some, it’s just an added expense, and to others it’s a necessity. If the programmable thermostat is an item that’s been on your wish list for some time, now might be the time to move it to the top.

What is it?

This thermostat can be programmed by the user to switch on and off at certain times of the day. So, let’s say you get home from work at 5:30, and you don’t have the patience to wait for your home to cool. You can program the thermostat to begin cooling your home at 5:00!

But isn’t this just a luxury?

Absolutely not. Because the programmable thermostat allows the owner more control over the temperature and timing, it saves you energy in the long run by only heating and cooling your home during the hours it is occupied. This way your home is not being heated or cooled while you’re away, and it is nice and cool (or toasty) when you get home.

Ok, which one should I buy?

You can choose from a variety of programmable thermostats that are available for both residential and commercial needs. Clock, Digital, Digital with PID controller, and Commercial thermostats are some of the most popular.

The average cost of a digital thermostat is $50-$100 per unit. Spending a little bit of money on one of these devices can save you hundreds annually.

 

Air Conditioning Maintenance Tips from Your St Louis MO Cooling Experts

It is that time of year again where the sun can bring both fun times and misery. You wonder whether this is the summer that your air conditioner will finally give up and leave you in the sweltering heat. Unfortunately, you could be the cause of your air conditioning unit breaking. Did you know that you could be mistreating your air conditioner? Here are a few tips to help increase your unit’s lifespan:

  • Do not turn off your air conditioner when you leave your home. You may think that when you come home to turn it back on that your unit will cool your home down right away, but the truth is that it will not happen anytime soon. This will actually keep your home from being cool for several hours. To prevent your home from being uncomfortable, set your temperature up five to ten degrees. This will keep your unit from working harder and costing you more money.
  • NEVER turn your air conditioner on and off within five minutes apart. This can trip a breaker, short a fuse, or even cause permanent damage to your compressor.
  • Did you know that putting your air conditioner thermostat on AUTO could actually cost you more money? Instead, turn your thermostat to the ON position. This will run your indoor fan nonstop and keep the airflow constant in your home, keeping your home cooler. The constant fan will help maintain an even temperature throughout your home. You can even raise your temperature a couple degrees higher than normal and still keep your home at a comfortable temperature. Your outdoor condenser will not come on as much and you will end up saving money!
  • Keep your blinds, curtains and shades shut. By keeping the sunlight out, your air conditioner and fan can help to keep you feeling cool.
  • CLEAN your air filters. Air filters should be cleaned every 30 to 90 days for your unit to run efficiently. If you own any pets, you should be cleaning your filter at least once a month.

These are just a few ways to help run your air conditioning unit more efficiently. Ask our experts about what you can do to help prevent your air conditioner from breaking during the summer.