One of the more subtle problems that home owners frequently have to deal with is temperature regulation. Thermostats, devices which manipulate temperature in a system (most often a home) are one of the most overlooked considerations a home owner should be aware of. It is deceptively easy to buy a simple mechanical thermostat; however, a digital programmable thermostat is a superior option in terms of cost and energy efficiency, as well as lifespan and reliability. Furthermore, these are much more versatile than traditional thermostats, providing superior quality and customization for their customers.
The most important feature of a digital programmable thermostat is its superb versatility. Old, mechanical thermostats use gears, wires, or confusing metallic parts to function. Generally they do not come with any light, and have only a lever or two to manipulate indoor temperature. In fact, the clunky traditional brands don’t use any advanced technology, and can only control whether or not the system is hotter or colder. They are prone to using more much energy than is necessary, harming the environment and costing buyers more money over time. To give an example, Energy Star (a company which specializes in green technologies) has rated the average mechanical thermostat as using up to a third more energy than is necessary.
Digital programmable thermostats have none of these problems. Even the most basic models come with a user friendly interface, allowing consumers to have complete control over their indoor temperature, down to fractions of degrees. Most importantly, these thermostats come with scheduling protocols, so that the entire system can be programmed to operate on its own without the owner needing to constantly change settings for every change in temperature. The entire week can be plotted based on specific days and hours. Mechanical thermostats only allow for single changes to be made, and can only be scheduled to turn on at a certain time. But digital programmable thermostats come with the ability to regulate in six different periods throughout specific days. This saves money on unnecessary heating costs, eliminating undesirable temperature settings. In the event that a buyer is looking for something more streamlined, programmable thermostats also allow a “cruise control” button which keeps the current temperature until manually reset.
Digital programmable thermostats also come with a LCD backlight in case you need to quickly change settings in the dark, or have trouble seeing without extra light. Instead of the unfamiliar metallic switches, digital thermostats have ergonomic keyboards, allowing more in depth control over system heating. Instead of turning a “hotter” or “colder” dial and hoping for the best, you can simply punch the desired temperature right into the thermostat! All of the scheduling protocols have keys assigned to them, making the settings menu an affair for perhaps a few minutes at most. If you’re looking to invest more money into his thermostat, you’ll find even more handy features, such as PID-controllers for system-thermostat communication. More advanced digital programmable thermostats come with touch screens and a set of digital menus, all with their own keyboards and options, and graphic representations of heating schedules.
It may be intimidating to find an affordable programmable digital thermostat while retaining quality. Honeywell sells high-end brands at around $120-$140. These are for a customer looking to get the most out of his investment, without needing to return to the store for heating devices for several years. More affordable models are available through White Rodgers, which specializes in maximizing affordability and streamlined features. This brand is sufficient for most first time buyers and will only set you back about $80-$120. For those who still find this figure expensive, consider this: most mechanical thermostats are so inefficient that they will cost the average family $150 each year due to unnecessary heating costs. Digital programmable thermostats practically pay for themselves, and are an excellent addition to any conscientious home owner.