Heating your home as efficiently as possible this winter is a question on everyones’ mind. Arming yourself with some general knowledge about one of the main components of any heating system, the thermostat, makes sense. The thermostat is simply a temperature-sensitive device that opens and closes a circuit in response to changes in your homes’ temperature; it’s the main operating control in your heating system.
A thermostat will start your heating system on a call for heat and turn it down when the thermostat is satisfied. When the temperature near the thermostat falls below your preset temperature, the contacts inside the thermostat close and activate the heating system. When nearby temperatures rise to your preset temperature, the contacts open again and shut it down.
For optimum savings, keep your thermostat clean:
Some thermostats have contacts that are exposed to the air. When dust accumulates on these contacts, it interferes with normal operation, meaning, ultimately, higher electric bills. Dust can also cause the components to rust or corrode, and if there are smokers in the house; believe it or not, the nicotine in the smoke will collect on the contacts and corrode them.
Some types of thermostats available:
Thermostats with setback features:
These thermostats have a clock that can be set to lower the temperature setting automatically at night and raise it again each morning. There are also thermostats that have a double setback feature that will allow you to have the heat raised and lowered automatically during daytime as well as nighttime hours.
Electronically programmable thermostats:
If you choose to invest in one of these you should know that this thermostat also has batteries and if the safety switch to your heating system is turned off and the batteries are low in your thermostat, you can blow the progrram.
Thermostat location:
Be sure your thermostat is located on an inside wall of your home and not in a drafty area or too near an outside door; these locations will cause the thermostat to turn the heating system on too often. On the other hand, a thermostat located in direct sunlight or near a fireplace won’t turn the heating system on often enough.
Loose or unlevel thermostats can cause the mercury inside to open and close the circuit inaccurately, meaning the calibrartions won’t correspond to your homes’ actual temperature; the result will be an unevenly heated home which will add to your discomfort this winter.
Knowing these differences and details can save you a lot of money on your energy bills!
