It is a good idea for Jacksonville Florida homes to have programmable thermostats. Programmable thermostats are successful ways to maintain a home’s comfort levels and saving energy. With these systems you are able to set different temperature levels to match comfort levels throughout the day. By scheduling the times your heating or air conditioning system comes on you reduce your energy costs. Here are the basics you need to know about what programmable thermostats are and their operations.
What is a thermostat?
A thermostat is a device that controls the temperature levels of your home by turning your HVAC system on and off automatically. A thermostat turns your system switch on and off to maintain the temperature in your home. Programmable thermostats allow you to adjust your Jacksonville Florida home’s temperature to save energy as well as money on your utility bills. They are especially important for maintaining levels when you are not home.
How does a thermostat work?
The thermostat detects the temperature around it and activates an electrical switch when it is necessary to heat or cool your home. Typically there are four temperature set points. The times associated with them are referred to as wake, leave, return, and sleep. Units usually either control line voltage or low voltage. Line voltage units are typically used for electrical heating systems and combi boilers. Low voltage units are typically used on forced air heating and cooling systems as well as hydronic systems.
What types of controls are there for a thermostat?
There are typically two types of thermostat controls for a system. They are mechanical and digital. The difference between the two types of controls is what closes the electrical switch.
A mechanical control contains mercury. The mercury moves and opens and closes the switch. It is common with mechanical controls for the temperature to vary slightly from the set point. Some mechanical controls contain a piece of metal that expands and contracts which causes the electrical contacts to open and close. Such units are usually referred to as “snap action” thermostats.
A digital control opens or closes the switch by using a small electrical signal. These units typically are more accurate in maintaining your set temperature. Digital units are powered by battery, or your furnace low voltage transformer. These units can be either single or multi-staged depending on the type of HVAC system you have.
Where should the thermostat be located?
The location of your controls is the most important thing in operating your HVAC system. The thermostat should be mounted on an interior wall where it is in the normal air flow patterns of your home. It should not be near any devices that let off heat such as lamps. It should be about five feet from the floor and out of direct sunlight; hallways are typically good placements. Other places are in a room that is central and frequently used. It should not be placed behind doors or near doors that may affect airflow.
How should I set my thermostat?
Programmable thermostats will efficiently maintain the comfort levels in your Jacksonville Florida home. It is best to program your thermostat accordingly. During colder seasons set your heat to come on at a comfortable level during times when you are home and turning it down when you are not home or when you are sleeping. It is the same concept for warmer seasons when running your cooling system.
Snyder Air Conditioning, Plumbing & Electric has been servicing the Jacksonville area since 1973. Snyder offers all the services needed for managing your indoor comfort. Services include installation, repair, maintenance, and education of not only programmable thermostats in Jacksonville Florida but in all AC technological advancements. As a family-owned business, Snyder Air Conditioning, Plumbing & Electric maintains a level of customer service we are proud of and believe is unmatched.
