What Are the Benefits of Using a Programmable Thermostat with my Air Conditioner?

The big benefit of a programmable thermostat, with your air conditioner, is that it will save you money and energy. Programmable thermostats are able to store settings for different times of the day, and different days of the week, so that you are not running your air conditioner full force when you are not home. For example, you could set a programmable thermostat so that your cooling system does not work very hard while you are at work or on vacation. As a result, you can potentially save up to 10 percent on your home cooling costs with just a 7 to 10 degree setting change for the 8 hours you are at work. How does that sound?

Before the advancement of microchip technology, the typical thermostat used a rather unsophisticated mechanical mercury switch. The switch tilted one way when the temperature was achieved, turning off the cooling system. When the house started to warm again, the switch tilted the other way, and the air conditioner turned back on. It was all very simple and very easy, but was a bit inaccurate and required manual setting. Microchip technology advanced thermostats, making them more accurate, user-friendly, and far more efficient.

However, while a basic programmable thermostat has many great features like a 7-day programmable schedule, holiday recognition, and diagnostic features, technology continues to advance. Today, you can install a smart thermostat. Smart technology is loosely described as everyday items and appliances with internet connectivity. Therefore, smart thermostats allow you to control your home's temperature using a smartphone, tablet, or computer. Moreover, smart thermostats have the power to learn your behaviors and preferences, and will begin to make automatic adjustments based on things like today's weather or if it detects you coming home early (via your smartphone's location).

Ultimately, whether you choose a programmable or smart thermostat, all are certified by the government to have features that will help you save energy. That said, with proper use, they will not only save you money, but they will also improve your comfort at home. Look for a thermostat with the ENERGY STAR logo on the package.

Serving Scottsdale AZ, JR Perkins is the first heating and air conditioning company in the East Valley. To learn more please visit our website at www.JRPerkins.com or call (480) 422-4437.

Two Ways an Air Conditioning Contractor Can Boost Your Energy Efficiency

There’s simply no denying that air conditioners are one of the most indispensable of home appliances. Yet they can also be the cause of a lot of stress when it comes time to pay the energy bill. If you would like to learn more about what you can do to help keep the cost of your air conditioner as low as possible, read on. This article will discuss two ways that an air conditioning contractor can help boost your AC’s efficiency. Located in Phoenix AZ and serving Scottsdale, JR Perkins is the perfect air conditioning contractor to work with on this topic.

Insulate Ducts in Heat-prone Areas 

It is vital that the chilled air being generated by your air conditioner’s condenser unit remain as cold as possible on its way to the various rooms of your home. Unfortunately, unwanted heat loss remains more common than you might realize. That’s because, where ducts pass through naturally hot parts of the house--attics and crawlspaces, for example--they tend to soak up a good deal of heat. As a result, your air conditioner is forced to work harder and longer in order to accomplish its cooling. Fortunately, you can prevent this type of unwanted heat gain by having an air conditioner contractor insulate any ducts located in such problem areas.

Identify Problematic Air Leaks 

Heat absorption isn’t the only factor at play in boosting your monthly cooling bill. Air leaks are another common--yet often overlooked--source of inefficiency. In fact, air leaks have been estimated to be responsible for efficiency losses of up to 30 percent! The worst part is that many of these leaks are so subtle as to be virtually undetectable without precision equipment. Luckily, many experienced air conditioning contractors utilize thermal imaging technology to identify areas where cracks, gaps, and poor insulation are allowing air leaks to decrease the efficiency of your air conditioner.

JR Perkins is the first heating and air conditioning company in the East Valley. To learn more please visit our website at www.JRPerkins.com or call (480) 422-4437.