Frequently Asked Questions about Thermostats

A thermostat is the device in your HVAC system that monitors the temperature of the room and triggers the air conditioning or heat (depending on the current settings) to turn on and run until the room temperature returns to a level that matches the current temperature setting of the thermostat. Some thermostats are simple switches with a thermometer to trigger the system, while some modern, more advanced models can handle many programmable settings and a varied schedule. However, there are a few basic questions about thermostats than many people ask.

What do the “Fan” settings mean?

Many people have questions about the Fan setting on a thermostat. Almost all thermostats have these settings, which are usually “Auto” and “On” and can be confusing. The basic thing to remember about the Fan setting is “On” means the fan will be on – forever. When set to “On,” the fan will run continuously no matter what the AC or Heater is doing. This can often be a large drain in energy costs. On the other hand, the “Auto” setting means that the fan will only blow when the AC or Heat is actively engaged in order to distribute the cooled or heated air throughout the home. Both settings mean the fan is engaged, and the only real difference is whether it ever turns off.

How do Programmable Thermostats help save energy costs?

The intention of programmable thermostats is to set up a temperature schedule for your home that will reduce the energy used by the HVAC system during times of the week when you and your family are most likely to be out of the house. During those times you can set the AC to cool a bit less or the heat to heat a bit less, thus saving energy for cooling or heating an empty house. At a certain time of day, the programmable thermostat can trigger the system to bring the house temperature to a comfortable level you would prefer when you’re home and it can then be ready for you when you return. Additionally, when you’re sleeping your temperature needs are often different, so overnight can often be an opportunity to reduce the work the system needs to do. Overall, any reduction in the work the system needs to do will help reduce the energy needed to do that work, thus saving you in energy costs.

The Thermostat is the control center of the HVAC system, and it’s important to have the right kind of thermostat and set it up with the right parameters to suit your needs. Whether you have a traditional thermostat or a programmable one, be sure to learn how best to set it so that it can accommodate your HVAC system to your own personal needs. If you have any other questions about your thermostat, or about improving or servicing your HVAC system, be sure to contact All Day Air Cooling at Heating at (239) 357-0727.