Deciphering your air conditioner’s thermostat can sometimes feel like you’re reading a different language—but don’t let it scare you. Thermostats allow you to control the temperature of your home or business, and with a little research you can understand its many functions and maybe even save a little money along the way.

What Does a Thermostat Do?

First and foremost, an HVAC thermostat is a temperature- sensitive switch that is used to control your HVAC system. With the touch of a few buttons, you can tailor your thermostat to regulate your air conditioner to your personal preference. This may seem easy enough, but there are many different kinds of thermostats and each serve to accommodate certain homes.

Types of Thermostats

There are many types of thermostats but most are one of five basic types: digital, hybrid, occupancy, light–sensing, and electromechanical. Each type of thermostat functions differently and performs different options.

  • Digital thermostats have LED or LCD digital readouts and offer a wide range of flexibility. These thermostats are a popular choice because they can be used with most systems.
  • Hybrid thermostats have both manual and digital controls to ensure a simple and user-friendly experience.
  • Occupancy thermostats are controlled by an external sensor and are often used in hotels or rental homes to conserve energy.
  • Light-sensing thermostats change depending on the lighting within a room and automatically set back heating or cooling when the lights are dimmed. A business for example, might benefit from a light-sensing thermostat because it would adjust the temperatures when the lights are turned off at the end of the day.
  • Electromechanical thermostats are generally the easiest of the thermostats to operate and work with most conventional systems. These types of thermostats are reset each day, so they’re best for someone with a regular schedule.

Understand Your Thermostat and Save More!

One of the greatest benefits to understanding your thermostat is saving money. If you don’t fully understand your system, your money could literally be flying out the door. Here are a few thermostat tips to help you save.

  • Set Your Thermostat Back a Few Degrees

Setting your thermostat back just two degrees can help you cut down on costs while still keeping you comfortable.

  • Open Bedroom Doors

When your air conditioning system is working to cool or warm your home, it sends air throughout your house. If you have bedroom doors shut, your system has to work harder. Opening bathroom and bedroom doors can not only help make your home feel more comfortable, but it can help increase the efficiency of your air conditioning system, which means savings for you.

  • System Zoning

Ever have that one room in your house that always seems warmer or colder than the others? This annoying and uncomfortable issue can be solved with system zoning. System zoning includes multiple thermostats which are linked to a control panel. This way, specific areas of your home can be cooled or heated accordingly—saving you money (and making you comfortable!) along the way.

Thermostats don’t have to be confusing. One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning® of Clearwater wants to help your home feel as comfortable as possible, so if your AC’s thermostat is giving you trouble, contact us today.