If you are installing a new HVAC system in your home, it’s a good idea to go ahead and consider upgrading your thermostat as well. Technology changes quickly, and newer thermostats offer a variety of benefits that an older thermostat simply does not have.
Give our team a call when you’re ready for an HVAC installation in Hinsdale, and we can assess your thermostat needs as well. You can also keep reading to learn more about how to tell if your existing thermostat is outdated and when you might want to consider a thermostat upgrade.
Signs You Have an Older Thermostat
First, we want to assess whether or not your existing thermostat needs to be replaced or not. If you already have a smart thermostat, it may not need to be upgraded. However, if you do have an older thermostat, upgrading to a smart version is a wise choice.
Your thermostat definitely needs to be upgraded if it is old enough that it has printed numbers and a manual switch for changing the temperature. On older thermostats, you have to align the switch with your desired temperature setting. The problem with this is the lack of precision.
You’re basically making a guess at the temperature setting. You could be off by as much as a few degrees, which can cost you a lot on your energy bills. Plus, your home may never be as comfortable as you want it since temperature settings are a lot of guessing.
You also need to replace your thermostat if it is digital, but not Wi-Fi enabled. Having a digital thermostat simply means that the numbers appear on the screen and you can select more precise temperature settings. While this is a step up from even older thermostats, a smart thermostat is still the way to go.
Benefits of Upgrading
When you upgrade to a smart thermostat, you can automate temperature settings. For example, you can set the temperature to increase a little in the summer when you plan to be away during the workday so you aren’t paying to cool an empty home.
Then you can set the thermostat to cool your home back down again before you arrive so it’s already more comfortable again when you arrive. Small changes like this can help to lower your energy costs by 10% to 15%.
A smart thermostat can even learn from your heating and cooling habits and make recommendations to tweak your settings and improve energy efficiency even more. If you’re installing a new HVAC system, it makes sense to have a high-quality thermostat to match.
Contact Althoff Home Services today to schedule an appointment with our professionals. Chicago’s Choice Since 1961. Hand It Off to Althoff!