Thermostat
By definition, a THERMOSTAT a device that automatically controls heating and cooling equipment in such a way as to maintain a temperature at a constant level or within a specified range. A thermostat generally uses a thermometer that is capable of triggering electrical switches that activate or deactivate the equipment.
There are two basic types of thermostats and variations of each type. The first type is a MECHANICAL thermostat. These are the old style thermostats. The most common type uses two coils of metal and a glass vial filled with liquid mercury. The two metals have different heat properties and as they contract and expand they move the pivoting glass vial full of mercury. When the mercury pools on one side or the other it connects or disconnects the electric circuit which turns on or off the furnace or air conditioner. Usually on the older mechanical thermostats there is a temperature slider bar. Moving the slider bar to a desired temperature setting changes the position of the metal coil and the contact points for that temperature. On the newer DIGITAL thermostats, temperature changes are detected by thermal resistors called thermistors. As the temperature changes the thermistor changes resistance and by use of a computer chip can detect the room temperature. The new digital thermostats have no moving parts and are much more accurate than their mechanical counterparts.
Many digital thermostats are powered by batteries, so you must remember to replace them each year. It is easiest to remember if it is part of your regular maintenance program. As in, every spring your air conditioning unit is checked by a professional and at the time the batteries are changed. When you purchase a digital programmable thermostat, it is more than a good idea to keep the programming and operating instructions handy. You should also keep a receipt for your warranty which is usually good for a year and have the manufacturer's contact information.
There are many benefits to purchasing a digital thermostat. As mentioned earlier, they are more accurate and consistent. They also have easy to read LCD screens. This screen also lights up with a touch of your finger which is is a huge advantage over the mechanical thermostats. As long as you have a small "night light" plugged in close by, you don't have to turn on your main lights if you want to check the T-Stat. Many of these thermostats can also be set to light up all the time if that is your preference.
If you are going to purchase a digital thermostat you should take advantage of the technology that is available to save you energy, which means money. Purchase a DIGITAL PROGRAMMABLE thermostat. No more forgetting to turn up your thermostat when it's a hundred degrees outside and your air conditioner churns away while you are at work, costing you money. It's also a great night time saver of money. In the winter, you can go to bed while your house is warm and thirty minutes later when you are toasty warm under the blankets asleep, your furnace or air handler (electric heat) can be turned down. Sure you might remember to do this before you go to bed, but you are less likely to turn the temperature down as far because you and your sheets are cold. You can experiment with what temperatures you are comfortable with. Also, don't forget about getting up in the morning. You can rise and shine to a nice warm house that the programmable thermostat offers by turning on the heat 15 minutes before you wake or you can jump up, turn on the heat, and hope you remembered to reset your alarm. Or of course you can take a shower in a cold house.
Further night time saving are available in the summer. No one likes to sleep in a hot house, because it is hard to get to sleep. What most people don't think about is the fact that the body will automatically cool down when you are asleep. It doesn't need to be as cool for your to feel comfortable. Therefore, if you have a programmable thermostat, you can program it to let the temperature rise three or four degrees after you are asleep. Your body will not notice the drop because it has naturally cooled down because it is in a state of rest.
If you are interested in having a programmable thermostat installed and live in the areas of the Dallas Metroplex that our company services, give 1st Class Air a call. We will be happy to assist in your decision making and provide the installation.
Remember these pointers if you are installing a thermostat yourself. Make sure that you install your thermostat where it is conveniently located for programming. Also, place thermostats away from direct sunlight and drafts. So be careful of doorways, windows and skylights.
1st Class Air provides air conditioning and heating, repair and installation in the following Dallas, TX Metro-plex cities: Addison, Allen, Balch Springs, Carrollton, Coppell, The Colony, Dallas, Fairview, Farmers Branch, Flower Mound, Frisco, Garland, Heath, Highland Park, Highland Village, Irving, Lewisville, Little Elm, Lucas, McKinney, Mesquite, Murphy, Parker, Plano, Richardson, Rockwall, Rowlett, Sachse, University Park, and Wylie