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The thermostat is an essential element of your home’s heating and cooling system. Your thermostat regulates and monitors the temperatures in your home and helps keep your family cool during the heat of summer and now, during the cold winter days.
At Sanborn’s, our customers frequently ask about their thermostats and how to make sure they are operating effectively. So, here are our top five most-asked questions and our answers. Before we get going, keep in mind that we are having a little fun with this blog!

  1. How do I get my Aunt Mabel to leave the darn thermostat alone?

    2. Well, now that you asked…..the best way is to encase your thermostat (or Aunt Mabel) in a locked compartment and under constant video surveillance. Just kidding ….a more practical way is to install a WiFi thermostat that you can monitor anytime, from anywhere. Just remember who has control of the thermostat at all times. Looking for a funny read? Check out this humorous WiFi thermostat review.

  1. My hot-blooded husband is also a cheapskate and turns our thermostat WAY down at night and off when we are gone. Is it really cheaper to do that?

    2. Usually not. Turning your thermostat way down or completely off results in inconsistent and fluctuating climate control and can leave your home prone to influence from outside factors. For example, an unexpected arctic blast (while not affecting your always-hot husband) could freeze the water in your fish tank, not to mention your toilet and indoor plumbing. Seriously, better alternatives include dropping the temperature only 7-10 degrees or better yet, invest in a programmable thermostat. That way, you can bring the temperature back up to a comfortable level prior to you arriving back home.

  1. My dog will be at home all day while I’m at work this winter, what should I set the thermostat to?

    2. If you must leave Daisy to fend for herself all day, make sure she has a sweater and then turn the thermostat down 7-10 degrees lower than normal. Don’t worry, our pet’s body temperatures are a bit higher than humans, so they are equipped to handle you being energy-efficient—unless they’re hairless! For more information about handling different times of year visit http://www.akc.org/press-center/akc-syndicate/ask-akc/temperature-setting-for-dogs/.

  1. Is it more efficient for me to just use the programmed features or for me to set at a constant, specific temperature?

    2. Duh…why have a programmable thermostat if you’re not going to use it? By all means, put that programmable thermostat to work and notice efficiency in climate control and savings on your utility bills. It can also save you time by eliminating the need for constant manual adjustments.

  1. How often should thermostat batteries be changed out?

    2. Some heating and cooling professionals say every six months, others say once per year, others say Daylight Savings time is a good time to change batteries in thermostats and smoke detectors. All are good answers, though the best plan is probably to follow the recommendation in your thermostat owner’s manual. And no matter what, don’t procrastinate… your teeth will be chattering while you rummage through your cabinets looking for replacements for the dead batteries in your thermostat.

For more information on Daikin, Nexia & Honeywell thermostats and all your heating and cooling needs, call Sanborn’s today.