Showing posts with label programmable thermostat. Show all posts
Showing posts with label programmable thermostat. Show all posts
Monday, August 2, 2010
Take Control of Home Heating and Cooling With an Internet Thermostat
Monitor and Set Temperatures Anytime, Anywhere!You've probably seen or heard of people using the Internet to monitor their home's security or to keep tabs on nannies and babysitters. These days, many homeowners are using the power of the Internet to remotely monitor something else in their homes -- their thermostat.
An internet thermostat in your home can be programmed and controlled remotely through a computer network system. Like other programmable thermostat controls, these units have a keypad unit which allows you to set a schedule for temperature adjustments, but internet thermostats let you make changes to the schedule from anyplace outside the home with an internet signal. No matter how far from home you are, and no matter how long you plan to be away, you can have complete access to your heating and cooling system.
How an Internet Thermostat Works:
The internet thermostat is connected to your home or office computer network. Home networks are generally wired using Ethernet cables or wireless connections, or some combination of the two.
An internet thermostat is linked to your home’s network through an Ethernet cord, and therefore connects to the internet in the same way that your computer or web-ready video game device does. Once the unit has been set up, you simply log on to a special website where you’ll have full access to your temperature settings.
To ensure the security and stability of your system, most internet thermostats must be hard wired —- meaning they have to hook up to the internet using a physical connection like a cord or cable. Though wireless internet thermostats do exist, these are generally more vulnerable to outside interference. For added security, you’ll be asked to set up a username and password to access your internet thermostat. This prevents unauthorized use of the thermostat.
The Benefits of an Internet Thermostat:
The most obvious benefit of a remotely programmable internet thermostat is that you have complete control over the temperature in your home no matter where you are. It's perfect for those who work out of the home -- you can adjust the temperature before you leave the house for the day and turn it back to a comfortable level just before you return home. This makes your home more comfortable and helps save energy and money on utility costs.
You can also monitor the temperature in your home or office at any time. This is an invaluable resource if you travel frequently, have a vacation home you use only during certain times of year, or are away from home for long periods. Having the ability to monitor your HVAC system lets you see if there are problems with the unit, and makes it possible to adjust the indoor temperature if the weather changes unexpectedly.
Another benefit of an internet thermostat is that you no longer have to worry about temperature settings. If you forget to adjust the thermostat before you leave for work or vacation, simply log on to your system from any internet device and change the settings.
What You Need to Set Up an Internet Thermostat:
If an internet thermostat seems like a good fit for your home, you’ll need a fully operational home computer network. Generally, home networking requires a gateway, a modem or wireless router, a computer, and access to the internet. Most of us have all of these items in our homes already, even if we don’t have a network configured. A certified HVAC contractor can help you determine which components you need to complete your network, and will assist you in connecting the internet thermostat to the other devices in your home.
Related Information from Horizon Services...
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Take Good Care of Your Thermostat
The thermostat is perhaps the simplest piece of equipment involved in your home’s heating and cooling system, yet it’s so sensitive that it responds to even slight temperature changes. Though there are fewer mechanical parts in a thermostat to malfunction, it can still cause major problems if not maintained properly.
If a thermostat cover is installed improperly or bumped accidentally it can cause your furnace or air conditioner to fail to start. The thermostat base can sometimes slip out of balance, which causes faulty operation. Corrosion and loose wires can also affect your thermostat’s operation. Dirt and dust are perhaps the most common cause of improper thermostat function. Debris can work its way into the thermostat mechanism and interfere with its calibration. For example, if you set your thermostat for 70 degrees but it’s actually maintaining a temperature of 73 degrees, you’re wasting energy and increasing your monthly utility costs.
If you suspect that the calibration of your thermostat is off, follow these simple steps to check it and repair any minor problems.
First, you’ll need a few basic tools to check the calibration of your thermostat: tape, paper towels, a glass tube thermometer, a new dollar bill or a soft brush, a level, and a screwdriver. Gather these from around the house or hit your local hardware store.
Next, tape the glass thermometer to the wall a short distance away from the thermostat. Use the paper towels to pad the thermometer and keep it from touching the wall. Make sure doors and windows are sealed to prevent outside drafts from affecting the temperature reading.
Give the thermometer at least 15 minutes to stabilize, and compare the reading to the thermostat needle. If there’s a difference between the two of a degree or more, check the thermostat for dirt.
To clean your thermostat, take off the faceplate carefully. Blow off any loose dust inside. Never use a vacuum cleaner, as the powerful suction can damage fragile parts in the thermostat. If your thermostat has accessible contact points, use the new dollar bill to rub in between them. This will help brush away dirt. If your thermostat has a coiled element, use the soft brush to clear away debris.
If the thermostat has a mercury vial, use the level to ensure the unit is straight. If it’s crooked, try loosening the mounting screws and move the thermostat until its level. Don’t forget to retighten the screws.
Once you’ve cleaned the thermostat, repeat steps one and two using the glass tube thermometer. If there’s still a difference between the thermometer reading and the thermostat temperature, you’ll probably need to replace the unit.
Replacing a thermostat is a fairly simple procedure that you can do yourself quickly and inexpensively.
Be sure the new thermostat has the exact same voltage as the unit you’re replacing. Mismatched voltages can cause dangerous power shortages and continued system malfunction. The thermostat must also be compatible with your home’s heating system. If you can’t match your old unit with a new one brand for brand, consult a sales representative at your local hardware or home improvement store for recommendations on comparable models.
Also, be sure to keep electric lamps, TVs, stereos and and appliances away from the thermostat. Heat from these items can cause your air conditioner to run unnecessarily and cause the thermostat to malfunction.
Related Information...
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Heating and Cooling on Demand with Zoned Systems
For many years, whole house central heating and cooling was about the only choice consumers had. But today it doesn't have to be an all or nothing situation thanks to zoned heating and cooling.
Zoned heating and air conditioning systems provide on-demand temperature control where and when you want it. Forget about cooling empty rooms or over-heating one area of your home just to feel comfortable in another.
Zoned heating and air conditioning works a lot like a light switch, turning your home’s HVAC system on and off based on your preferences. Dampers inside your home’s ductwork open and close according to each zone’s individual temperature settings. Once a zone reaches its pre-selected temperature, the appropriate dampers close. This helps save energy and utility costs, and makes your home more comfortable.
So how do you know if zoned heating and air conditioning is right for your home? If there is a lot of variation between temperatures in your home from room to room or from level to level, or if you find that you’re constantly adjusting your thermostat to reach an optimal temperature, a zoning system might be the solution you need. Homes with multiple levels, with a sprawling ranch or multi-wing design, lots of windows, large square footage, or large open areas like spacious foyers or vaulted ceilings can also benefit from zoned heating and cooling.
A zoned heating and air conditioning system can make all areas of your home more comfortable in both winter and summer. You’ll also save energy and money because your heating and cooling system won’t have to work as hard to regulate the temperature inside your house. By adding programmable thermostats, you can save even more.
Just like it doesn’t make sense to have all the lights in your home controlled by a single switch, it seems pretty silly to control your home’s heating and cooling system with a single thermostat. Zoned heating and air conditioning is like installing several temperature controls throughout the rooms of your house—like having multiple light switches to control lights. It lets you turn down the heat in unused rooms during the day or cool bedrooms on an upper level just before bed.
For new home construction, zoning systems are easily integrated into most modern central HVAC systems. You can save money on installation by putting in a zoning system while your contractor still has easy access to ductwork; costs go up significantly once ducts are covered by walls and ceilings. Zoning saves money on utilities, too, making your new home more affordable to live in.
For existing homes, zoned heating and air conditioning can reduce the frustration caused by wild temperature fluctuations from room to room. Even if your ductwork is covered by drywall or plaster, there is such a variety of zoning systems available that chances are good your contractor will be able to match your home with an affordable system. Since most of the installation work will be limited to the area around your furnace—usually found in a mechanical closet, attic, or crawl space—there will be minimal disruption of your daily routine.
What’s more, a new zoning system will pay for itself in a very short time thanks to the savings you’ll see on your monthly utility bills during both heating and air conditioning seasons.
Your Horizon Services Comfort Consultant can provide more information about zoned heating and air conditioning systems and will help you find an option that fits your home, your budget, and your heating and cooling needs.
Related Information from Horizon Services...
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
How to Use a Programmable Thermostat
Installing a programmable thermostat is a simple way to improve the energy efficiency of your existing heating and cooling system. If you are away from your home for long periods of the day, a programmable thermostat allows you to set the temperature so that you’ll save energy during the times when your house in unoccupied but still be comfortable when you return home each day. By properly setting a programmable thermostat, you can save nearly $200 a year on energy costs.Choosing the Right Programmable Thermostat
The most important consideration you’ll have to make is what your personal schedule is like. If you and your family are out of the house for regular periods of time—for work, for school, for family activities, etc.—then one of the three different types of programmable thermostat could be right for you.
7-day thermostats are a great choice if your schedule fluctuates from day to day, for example, if you have young children who are only in school a few days a week, or if you work part-time. These models let you set up to four different temperatures per day and allow for different programs on different days. 7-day models are the most flexible programmable thermostats.
5+2-day thermostats allow you to set one schedule for weekdays and another for weekends. These are perfect if you spend long periods of time away from home during the week and are around the house mostly on weekends.
5-1-1 thermostats are for the highly scheduled family. If school and full-time work keep you out of the house for long periods on weekdays, while activities and socializing take you away from home on Saturdays and Sundays, this type of thermostat gives you the flexibility to set multiple schedules for multiple days.
Selecting the right kind of programmable thermostat is the best way to ensure your family’s comfort and maximize your energy savings.
Getting the Most Out of Your Programmable Thermostat
If you want to install a programmable thermostat on your own, be sure to situate it away from heating and cooling vents, appliances, doorways, fireplaces, lighting fixtures, skylights and windows, and areas of your home that get lots of direct sunlight or are drafty. Interior walls are usually best.
Set the thermostat lower in winter and higher in summer for the periods of time when your home will be unoccupied the longest and overnight.
Most programmable thermostats have a “Hold” button. When you leave your home for an extended period—such as for vacation or an overnight visit—use the hold to keep the temperature steady while you’re gone without having to disrupt your normal schedule.
Try not to override your settings once they’re been programmed. Doing this forces your system to work overtime, this uses more energy and could inflate your utility bill.
If you have multiple heating and cooling zones in your house—like an upstairs area that is only used for sleeping, or a little-used finished basement—install a separate thermostat for each zone. This will help you maximize comfort and savings.
If your thermostat is battery-operated, be sure to change the batteries at least once a year. Many units even have automatic indicators or alarms that will let you know when the batteries need to be changed.
Related Information...
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