Are you considering upgrading your thermostat to digital? There are many advantages to switching to a more modern device since the technology has advanced a lot and can offer many comforts that older thermostats can’t provide.
For example, you can decide the temperature you want at specific hours of the day, or you can choose when the system should shut off. A digital thermostat can do that for you without manual intervention. Check here if you wonder what thermostat is better for you.
Advantages of upgrading to a digital thermostat
Digital thermostats are efficient and provide users with many ways to regulate the temperature and evaluate the efficiency of their HVAC system. However, older devices have no way to track user habits and automatically adjust.
While setting the thermostat manually or automatically could be considered the same, in actual fact, digital thermostats allow homeowners to do much more. Here are some of the main advantages of upgrading an old thermostat:
1. Change settings remotely
One of the significant advantages of a digital thermostat is the possibility to change the settings remotely. In addition, some models can be connected to the internet and managed through an online application controlled by a mobile device.
If you forget to turn off the system or change the temperature, you can do it even when you are not at home, saving a lot of money and preventing the system from overworking unnecessarily.
2. Money-saving features
One of the most important reasons for shifting to a digital thermostat is the possibility of economizing a lot on utility bills. A digital thermostat can do the following:
- Adjust the temperature when no one is home
- Adjust the temperature during sleeping hours
- Energy tracking features
Some digital thermostat models can track energy consumption and provide you with a lot of information that you can use to adjust energy consumption and economize on utility bills.
It is not only a matter of economizing on utility bills; using the HVAC system efficiently can lower repair costs over time.
3. Zone control
With a digital thermostat, you can control the temperature settings by area or zone of a house or building. If you want a room or a location in the house to be warmer or colder, you should get a digital thermostat.
In a way, this feature allows even more energy saving. For example, if you do not use a section of the house, you can turn off the heating or cooling in that area. In addition, digital thermostats can provide full customization power to users.
4. Better air quality
Modern thermostats can tell you when it is time to change the filters, what is the humidity level in the house, or even when it is time to schedule the maintenance for the HVAC system.
Based on the information provided by the thermostat, you can take action and keep up the quality of the air in your house.
5. Easy to use
A digital thermostat can be programmed easily through an intuitive menu or have easy-to-follow manuals explaining how to use the features you need. Once the programs are set, there is no further action to take; the thermostat will operate the HVAC system accordingly.
Digital thermostats have already established programs to choose from, such as vacation mode, nighttime, and more.
6. Prevent common thermostat problems
Older thermostats can be problematic for various reasons. For example, if you put them in the wrong place, such as in direct sunlight, the temperature reading can be faulty, and the thermostat can send the wrong signal to the HVAC system.
A digital thermostat can help resolve this problem. In addition, such devices last longer while requiring little maintenance compared to older thermostats.
How does a digital thermostat work?
Digital thermostats allow homeowners to set their preferred temperature and create a schedule for the HVAC to heat and cool the house. In addition, they have a digital display where users can see the current temperature and adjust the settings.
Many digital thermostats can be synchronized with other digital devices and controlled over distance. In addition, many models of digital thermostats have a built-in clock with a calendar that allows users to program them for the coming days.
Digital thermostats have internal electrical components. When the current goes through it, the resistance generated helps the thermostat calculate the temperature.
If the result does not match the homeowner’s requested temperature, the thermostat goes into action, activating the HVAC system.
Is a digital thermostat worth the investment?
Digital thermostats require an initial investment to purchase the device and for the installation. Before spending money on a modern thermostat, you should consider if you will benefit from it.
For example, if someone is always at home, there is no necessity for a programmable thermostat. Instead, the temperature can be adjusted when necessary.
In addition, not all HVAC systems are compatible with digital thermostats. Therefore, before getting one, you must verify that you can use it. Furthermore, digital thermostats cost more and sometimes require installation by professionals.
Although digital thermostats can make you economize a lot in utility bills over time, it is wise to consider the initial costs and how long it will take to get the money back through lower utility bills.
Digital thermostats are easy to use, but some people might not be familiar with modern technology.
Older generations are often not familiar with touch screens. Therefore, it could not be easy for those people to learn how to use the programs and the various functions.
Another factor to watch is the security of digital thermostats since some models are controlled through the internet and can be subject to violations.
Conclusion
Digital thermostats are a good investment for those looking to economize on utility bills. In addition, they are straightforward to use, allow a homeowner to set and forget a program and be confident to have the most comfortable temperature.
If you are not sure about the compatibility of your HVAC system with a digital thermostat, it is better to ask for professional advice.