Posted by Daniel Sinclair on Fri, Feb 05, 2010 @ 02:30 PM
When I ran service calls on a daily basis, I was asked a lot about programmable thermostats. The customer would ask me, "Do they really save money?" The answer to that question is, Yes!!! If you have ever left your house in a hurry and forgot to turn the light off, you probably forgot to adjust your thermostat. For example: If it is 100 degrees outside and you leave your thermostat set on 74 degrees, your air conditioning unit is going to run most of the day. You are spending money to cool your home at 74 degrees with no one there! With a programmable thermostat you can set it to 78 degrees when you leave for work and not have to worry about it running as much during the day (With no one at home). The key to saving money with your programmable thermostat is to stick to the schedule that you set. What I mean by that, is to create a schedule when you first get your thermostat and don't touch it for 2 weeks. After 2 weeks is up, you should be able to notice changes that you could make to the schedule, so that it fits your demands. A programmable thermostat is a big change from the old mercury turn-dial thermostats but let us help you and I promise it will save you money in the long run.
This is a great example and overview about a programmable thermostat from Energy Star:
Did you know that properly using a programmable thermostat in your home is one of the easiest ways you can save energy, money, and help fight global warming? A programmable thermostat helps make it easy for you to save by offering four pre-programmed settings to regulate your home's temperature in both summer and winter - when you are asleep or away.
- The pre-programmed settings that come with programmable thermostats are intended to deliver savings without sacrificing comfort. Depending on your family's schedule, you can see significant savings by sticking with those settings or adjust them as appropriate for your family.
- The key is to establish a program that automatically reduces heating and cooling in your home when you don't need as much. Use the programmable thermostat calculator to see what you can save with set-back temperatures that work for your family. The pre-programmed settings for a programmable thermostat are:
Programmable Thermostat Setpoint Times & Temperatures| Setting | Time | Setpoint Temperature (Heat) | Setpoint Temperature (Cool) |
|---|
| Wake | 6:00 a.m. | ≤ 70° F | ≥ 78° F |
|---|
| Day | 8:00 a.m. | Setback at least 8° F | Setup at least 7° F |
|---|
| Evening | 6:00 p.m. | ≤ 70° F | ≥ 78° F |
|---|
| Sleep | 10:00 p.m. | Setback at least 8° F | Setup at least 4° F |
|---|
Photo by
Find us on Facebook!
Need an estimate on a programmable thermostat? Was this article helpful?
Posted by Daniel Sinclair on Thu, Dec 03, 2009 @ 06:30 PM
When your automobile’s Check Engine or Low Fuel light comes on, we immediately take care of it so that we will not be without transportation; however, how can you be sure that the heating and air conditioning systems in your home are not taken for granted?
What happens when it is cold outside and you turn that dial, push that button or flip that switch and nothing happens? PANIC?!! What can you do to prevent this? Become a Comfort Customer (Sign up today and receive special pricing!) It is important to us that your comfort needs are met and you have no cause to panic, but rather are secure with the heating or air conditioning system in your home. Signing up to become a Comfort Customer can give you peace of mind during the summer and winter months in West Texas. Call us today at 749-2665 or click here to request a service and check of your heating system.
Quick Poll: If you had the option, would rather prevent a problem from happening or fix it after it breaks?
Posted by Daniel Sinclair on Fri, Oct 02, 2009 @ 02:50 AM
Winter is almost here! Fortunately in West Texas the winter months are not severe, but there are days when it does get very cold.
Here are a few tips from Sinclair to help you stay warm this winter:
1. Make sure you have your heating system checked out by our technicians before it gets too cold. This is very important because when the hard freeze hits Lubbock you don't want to be at the end of a very long list!
2. CHANGE YOUR FILTER(S). "I have a filter?!" Yes, every system needs some type of air filtration system. This is important because clogged air filters can cause a furnace to quit operating. Changing your filter is a quick and easy fix can save you a lot of money in the long run.
3. Insulate outside faucets or pipes. This tip can save you money and is very cost effective. Broken pipes are not cost effective.
Image from: Plumbmax Plumbing Service LLC.
Did I miss any tips? Let me know by commenting below.