We all love our flat screen TVs. How big is yours? 55-inch? 60-inch? 80-inch? No matter how big and sophisticated, it’s kind of worthless if the remote control isn’t working. In some ways the remote is the “brain” that controls the television. It’s the same thing with the air conditioner in your Glenwood Springs, Aspen, or Vail, CO home. Your thermostat is the “brains” of the system. If it’s not working correctly or is improperly set, your home will not be comfortable, and you could be wasting money.
Extremely reliable
Thermostat breakdowns are very rare. For one thing today’s models don’t have any mechanical parts to wear out. It’s all electronic and digital in nature. That does make them more susceptible to power surges and lightning. Whenever a Climate Control Company technician comes to your home for air conditioner maintenance, he or she will always check the thermostat to assure it’s properly calibrated.
On and auto
This is one place where some people go wrong. We’re talking about the fan setting. Remember, the thermostat controls two separate functions, temperature and the fan that moves the air through the system. In the auto setting the fan runs only when the air conditioner is running. In the on position the fan runs all the time. In my opinion the auto setting is best with some rare exceptions. The fan will provide more ventilation which can have benefits if you are concerned about indoor air quality, but there are much better ways to address those issues.
Special note for heat pumps
Thermostats designed for air source heat pumps almost always have one other feature. It’s the emergency heat setting for use during the heating season. If you don’t understand how it works, it can cost you money. It’s a form of supplemental heat. Think of it like having a space heater in your central system and it uses a LOT of electricity. You should only have to use it when the heat pump suffers a breakdown. Modern heat pumps can keep your Glenwood Springs, Aspen, or Vail, CO house comfortable without using emergency heat even when the temperature drops to zero or below. If you find yourself resorting to the emergency heat setting, then there’s something wrong with the heat pump and you need to call in a technician.
Systems control
Climate Control is the only HVAC contractor on the Western Slope with a separate division dedicated to controls and employing certified controls technicians. Thermostats for your air conditioner are just one small part of what we do. My personal background is in systems control starting back in my U.S. Navy days when I was on a nuclear submarine. Now, residential systems control, including the so-called smart homes and businesses, are using cutting edge technology to make home comfort systems more effective, safe, and efficient.
Here to help
To learn more about what I’m talking about, call Climate Control Company where our motto is, “Comfort Driven, Colorado Style Since 1956.” Be sure to like and follow us on Facebook and Twitter for more great heating and cooling information like this.
