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Why should you upgrade your thermostat?

Upgrading your thermostat can be beneficial in many ways. Here are a few reasons why you might want to upgrade:

• Gives you greater control over your home temperature.
• Allows you to program in prefixed heating and cooling schedules.
• Some allow for variable-speed compressor operation.
• Improves energy efficiency. You’ll be able to maximize heating and cooling power while reducing energy consumption.

What do you do before installing a new thermostat?

Before you upgrade your thermostat you’ll have to consider:

• Compatibility: Your new thermostat must be compatible with your HVAC system.
• HVAC zones: Most homes or buildings have one cooling/heating zone, so you’ll only need one thermostat. If you have more than one HVAC zone, you’ll need a thermostat for each zone. HVAC systems like mini splits often have thermostats built into them, so you may not need a separate thermostat.
• Mobile support: Many thermostats today can be controlled through your smartphone. You’ll be able to control your temperature from anywhere.

What are the different types of thermostats for the home?

Four types of thermostats are available today for home use.

• Non-programmable: A basic thermostat that is adjusted manually to your ideal preference.
• Programmable: Allows you to pre-program the temperature based on when you’re home and at night. These thermostats can be set for each day of the week to reduce usage when you’re not at home.
• Wi-Fi: A thermostat that can be accessed via a wireless network. You are able to adjust the temperature while you’re away. You can even override the programmed setting if desired.
• Smart: Smart thermostats integrate with other automation tools and equipment in your home, learning your lifestyle habits, and then adjusting the temperature accordingly.

How do thermostats break?

The older your thermostat is, the more likely it will begin to have problems. Some typical problems that occur include faulty wiring and dead batteries. If your thermostat is failing, you can take the cover off and check the wiring for problems like frayed wires or test the batteries for an adequate charge.

Will any thermostat work with my HVAC system?

This will all depend on what type of thermostat upgrade you’re making. For smart thermostats, you’ll need to make sure the thermostat is compatible with the system.

For other types of thermostats, most are compatible with any system, as long as the thermostat is low voltage.

If you have a high voltage HVAC system, you’ll want to check the manufacturer’s manual or website for compatible thermostats.

What do you do when a thermostat stops working? 

A thermostat can stop working for several reasons. Dead batteries or faulty wiring are common problems. Tripped circuit breaker or a blown fuses also cause thermostats to stop working. 

When trying to diagnose the problem, start by changing the batteries. Next, check the fuse box or circuit breaker if the batteries fail to charge it up. Follow up that by removing the cover and brush or blow away dust using a small paint brush or canned air. After that, if you are unable to get the unit to work, it’s probably time for a thermostat upgrade.

Should I leave the thermostat at a constant temperature?

The short answer is “No.” If you leave your thermostat at the same temperature all the time, you’ll waste energy and cause more wear and tear on your system.

It’s better to adjust your thermostat according to the weather. According to Energy Star, depending on the season, your thermostat should be set between 70 degrees and 78 degrees while at home. When you’re not at home the temperature should be raised by about 8 degrees for more efficient operation.

Making these changes are easy with a programmable thermostat. With smart thermostats, you can change the temperatures anywhere and anytime as long as you have your smartphone handy to make the change.

How much money will a new thermostat save me? 

New thermostats will save you money because they will help your HVAC system run more efficiently. According to Energy Star, you can save about 8% on your energy bills by installing an Energy Star-certified smart thermostat. How much money you actually save will, however, depend on how you use the thermostat. Efforts like adjusting the temperatures according to the weather will also ensure you save money.

You can also check with your utility company to see if they offer any incentives for installing a smart thermostat. Some utility companies even offer their customers free thermostats as an incentive to install them.

Of course, installing a new thermostat isn’t the only factor affecting money-saving. Here are other things that will affect costs:

• The age of your HVAC system
• The insulation in your attic
• The age and condition of the windows
• The number of people living in the household
• Where you live and your family’s lifestyle

What causes the central AC to stop working?

Most people in this area have a central air conditioning system to keep them cool throughout the year. As much as you might not want to think about it, your AC could stop working.

Here are 7 common reasons why:

• Low refrigerant: Refrigerant removes heat and humidity from your home. If your refrigerant is low from a leak or bad compressor, your air conditioner will stop cooling and you’ll need to get it repaired.
• Frozen evaporator coils: Refrigerant stored inside the evaporator coils absorbs heat. If the coils don’t have warm air around them, they can freeze and cause the whole system to shut down.
• Dirty condenser coils: The coils inside your outdoor unit–the condenser–can get dirty and clogged and stop the cooling cycle in its tracks by failing to remove the heat the evaporator coils have absorbed.
• Blower fan failure: The blower fan blows air over the evaporator coils to help create the cool air that cools your home. If these fans fail, the cooling cycle is disrupted.
• Duct leaks: Any tears or crimps in the ductwork will restrict airflow and interrupt the cooling cycle. Instead of sending cool air through your vents, broken ducts end up cooling spaces like the attic or the inside of your walls.
• Thermostat problems: Thermostats regulate the temperature inside the home. Older thermostats may need to be recalibrated or upgraded to ensure your home is cooled at a consistent temperature.
• Clogged drains: Your coils create moisture and that moisture has to drain out of the system. If the drains get clogged, it can cause the air conditioner to stop working. If it gets backed up too much, it can also cause water damage.

Age and poor maintenance also factor into your need for air conditioner repair. And, if your air conditioner is more than 15 years old or you’re spending more and more on repairs, it may be time to consider investing in a new system.

How do I know if my central air conditioning thermostat is broken?

Your thermostat regulates the temperature inside your home. When it breaks down, it can cause all sorts of problems that can lead to costly air conditioner repairs.

Here are 5 things to look for that could signal a problem with your thermostat:

• Air conditioner cycling becomes irregular: If your air conditioner begins to cycle between off and on rapidly or randomly without changes in the temperature setting, this usually means you have a problem with the thermostat. The usual culprit in this case is frayed or bad wiring.
• Incorrect reading: If your thermostat is showing an incorrect temperature, the sensor inside the thermostat may be failing or have a defect. The thermostat may need to be replaced or upgraded. You can test the reading by comparing it to a reading from a portable indoor thermometer.
• Increase in utility bills: Your AC uses a significant amount of energy and increases in your electric bill may indicate a problem with your AC. Your thermostat is a good place to start when checking for problems with your air conditioner.
• Constant temperature swings: If your thermostat won’t stay on the same setting no matter how many times you reset it, it’s time to get the thermostat repaired or replaced.
• Outdated thermostat: If your thermostat is more than 10 years old, you might want to consider replacing it. An upgrade to a programmable thermostat will allow you to better regulate the temperature inside your home year-round.

What is the life expectancy of a central air conditioner?

With regular maintenance and upkeep, you can expect your central air conditioning system to last 15 to 20 years. One of the most important maintenance projects to adapt is changing your filter out about every six months. This simple act can extend your air conditioner’s lifespan and reduce your expenditures on air conditioner repair.

Dirty air filters restrict airflow and put more strain on your air conditioner’s parts. Not only does this strain lead to breakdowns, but it also uses more energy, which costs you more in electricity bills.

If your air conditioner is more than 15 years old, it may also be harder to get parts and warranties may have expired. You may also be spending more money on repairs. In this case, it’s usually better, and more cost-effective, to replace the system.

Is it bad for your central AC to be constantly running?

For the most part, modern air conditioning systems are designed to run 24 hours a day and can do so and still keep cooling your home.

But, if the AC is constantly running and not cooling, if it’s blowing warm air, then you have a problem and you’ll need to get the AC fixed.

There are also several downsides to setting your AC to running constantly rather than having it cycle off and on throughout the day. The biggest downside is the strain it puts on individual parts like the compressor. The more wear and tear that’s put on the unit, the more likely you’ll be spending more money on parts repair and replacement. You’ll also be spending more on electricity bills because of the energy used by a constantly running AC.

How long does it take to install a split system air conditioner?

In most cases, a professional mini split AC installation can be completed in one day. Of course, installation times could vary, especially if you’re installing several units at one time. You may need to install more than one indoor unit. This depends on how many rooms you’re cooling and the size of your home or business.

What are the disadvantages of mini split ACs?

While ductless ACs are energy efficient, they do have their disadvantages. Here are a few caveats about installing mini splits:

• They tend to cost more when installed. That’s because you might need more than one indoor unit.
• They often take up more space than central heating and air.
• They don’t cool as well in areas with low ceilings or if the room is oddly shaped.
• For repairs, they must be removed from the walls.

What are some advantages of mini split AC installation?

Although ductless systems can be expensive to install, they also have advantages over traditional central heating and air.

Here are some of those advantages:

• They are usually easier to install than other systems because they don’t require ductwork.
• You’ll save on utility costs because they are more energy-efficient than central heating and air units.
• They are an excellent option for smaller spaces like apartments or condos.
• The units are generally less expensive than full central systems.
• They are fully electric and will help with indoor air quality because they do not use fossil fuels that can release toxic fumes inside the home.

How much does it cost to install a new mini split?

While prices will vary on a mini split AC installation, the average cost is around $3,000, including labor. Smaller units may cost less. Some might be as low as $2,000. Larger units with multiple connections can cost up to $14,500 or more. Again, costs will vary from region to region and by availability.

Do mini splits use a lot of electricity?

As mentioned above mini splits are generally more energy efficient than central air conditioning. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, mini splits with zoning systems can save you as much as 30% on your energy bills. The lack of ductwork helps you save on electricity.

Mini splits also do not generate heat. Instead, they transfer heat, which helps make them more energy efficient.

Plus, because you can connect as many as eight indoor air handler units to one outdoor unit, you can set up heating and cooling zones within your home. Different parts of the home can be set to different temperatures. This will save money because you’ll use less energy.

Do mini splits add value to your home?

While initial installation costs can be high for mini splits, they can prove a great return on investment down the road. They are, of course, very energy-efficient systems, which means you’ll save on utility bills. These systems are also long-lasting. While you might have to replace a central air conditioner after about 15 years or so, mini-splits last about 20 years, so you’ll save on replacement costs as well. So, in these two areas, mini splits will add value to your home.

You also get the added value of being able to adjust temperatures room by room. Each air handler has its own thermostat. You can save money by not running the system in every room. You’ll also be able to adjust comfort levels for every individual in the home.

You can also install mini splits alongside your conventional heating and cooling system. In this case, you might use it to cool an addition to your home or help adjust the temperature in a room that won’t stay at a consistent temperature with the rest of the house.

How many rooms does a mini split cool?

In general, a mini split can cool one room, a whole house, or something in between. But, to cool your whole house, this means you will have to install an air handler in each room. This is often what makes initial installation costs so high. But, you can normally connect up to eight air handlers to an outdoor unit.

Of course, how many air handlers you will need might vary depending on your structure’s layout. Some homes or businesses have a layout that is structured in ways that might only require one air handler to cool multiple rooms.

While most mini splits are ductless, in some instances, you can elect to have some ductwork installed that can vent air from one room to the next without having to install an air handler in each room.

Usually, though, you will need an air handler for each room that you want to heat or cool.