Programmable Thermostat Installation Doesn't Have to Be Hard

With a programmable thermostat, you can set your home's temperature higher or lower (depending on the season) when nobody's around to save money on energy bills. But as easy as it may look, programmable thermostat installation is a process you shouldn't take lightly. Even the smallest error can affect your entire HVAC system and cause costly damage. Let's take a look at what installation entails and why DIY installation isn't a good idea.

Programmable Thermostat Installation Requirements

To install a programmable thermostat correctly, you'll need basic electrical knowledge and a good understanding of your HVAC equipment.

Some types of programmable thermostats are incompatible with some HVAC equipment. For example, the common smart thermostats are not compatible with line voltage HVAC systems. What's more, even if a programmable thermostat is compatible with your equipment, you'll need to ensure that you have enough wires for proper installation.

If you lack expertise in wiring when setting up newer programmable thermostats, you risk electrocuting yourself. You could also send excessive current through the device and damage it. Other consequences of incorrect programmable thermostat installation include:

• Blowing your circuit breaker

• Poor thermostat location, leading to HVAC inefficiency

• Damage to the electrical system or HVAC system

Warranty

Manufacturers usually protect themselves from user negligence. Therefore, installing the thermostat yourself and causing damage in the process is likely to result in the loss of warranty coverage. Some manufacturers even void the warranty if a professional doesn't install the device. Consequently, you'll pay for damages out of pocket if the thermostat malfunctions unexpectedly.

Installing a thermostat incorrectly could lead to damage worth hundreds or thousands of dollars. To avoid damage and injury, you should hire an HVAC professional. If you need programmable thermostat installation or repair services in the Broken Arrow area, contact us at Air Assurance. We've helped our satisfied residential and commercial clients efficiently meet their comfort needs since 1985.

How Smart Thermostats Can Boost Savings, Comfort and Convenience

If you’re looking to save money on your heating and cooling expenses (and who isn’t looking to save money?), consider installing a smart/programmable thermostat.

Smart thermostats don’t simply allow you to raise and/or lower the temperature in your home. They function as a control panel for your heating and air conditioning systems. A smart thermostat allows you to pre-program temperatures during the day. In other words, you can program it to heat up the house in the early morning, allowing you to wake up to a comfortable temperature.

Similarly, a smart thermostat can keep the house at a lower temperature during the day when the house is empty, and raise the heat so you come home to a warm house. Units range from thermostats you program on the control panel (similar to programming a DVD-R device) to those that are controlled via the Internet.

So because you’re able to program your temperature beforehand (or in the case of advanced models, remotely), you’re able to genuinely save money, because you’re not turning on the heat or A/C during the hours when you’re not home. It also is a comfort factor, as you can program your unit to raise or lower the temperature automatically, so your home is at the desired temperature.

Programmable/smart thermostats are pricier than standard units. Obviously, the more advanced and complex they are, the more they cost. Units that are programmed on the front of the unit and work on a timer are less expensive then their web-enabled counterparts.

Also realize that installing a thermostat is not a job for novices. If you have no experience with home wiring, it’s best to leave it to a professional. And you also should factor in that the more expense you incur to install smart thermostats, the longer it will take to realize the savings.

Whenever you need expert advice with heating and air conditioning in your home or office, or any other issues related to home comfort, please contact us. Whether it’s heating, air conditioning or hot water, we’ve been servicing the Greater Tulsa Metropolitan area for almost three decades.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). 

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