How To Buy Thermostats Stay comfortable with smart, manual or programmable thermostats Home thermostats can range from simple manual units to sophisticated programmable units. This guide will help you understand the different types of thermostats, what you should know when selecting your thermostat, and the special features that increase convenience, comfort and energy efficiency. Manual, Programmable & Smart Thermostats Thermostats are designed as manual, programmable or smart. All three work with air conditioning and a variety of gas, oil and electric furnaces. • Typically found in older homes • Economical with simple controls • Limited energy savings and comfort, but can work efficiently if you’re diligent about changing settings as the temperature changes • Adjust the temperature automatically throughout the day • Save you as much as 33 percent on heating costs, and up to 15 percent to 25 percent on cooling • Advanced models can switch back and forth between heating and air conditioning during seasonal transitions

• Easy-to-operate digital interface, with many mercury-free newer models • Can be set to 7-day (daily individual programs), 5-2 day (work week vs. weekend programs), 5-1-1 (work week plus two different programs for Saturday and Sunday), 1-week (same week-long program) Tip: You can manually override the program’s schedule as needed with many programmable thermostats. • Improve energy efficiency • Allow you to control the temperature from your computer, tablet or smartphone Identify if your home is fitted with 1 Stage, 2 Stage, Direct Line Voltage, 24mV, or Zone heating and cooling to determine which thermostat will be compatible. Your new thermostat will be clearly labeled with one of the following: • Works with 1 Stage heat or cool: For use where you have separate heating and air conditioning units • Works with 2 Stage or multi-stage heat or cool: For heating or cooling units that have a high and low speed • Works with Direct Line Voltage: 110 or 240 direct current power source used in some older homes to power the thermostat

• Works with 24mV: For use with a fireplace, floor, or wall furnace • Zoned HVAC: Heating and/or cooling is individually controlled in different areas from the same HVAC system Ask A Home Depot ExpertA central air conditioning system is the perfect solution for homeowners who want to pump cool air throughout their home using a duct system. ac window unit serviceWhether you are buying a new unit for the first time or are replacing an existing unit, you'll have many devices from which to choose. prices of window ac unitsWorking with a professional HVAC dealer is the best way to ensure that you find a central AC system suited to your needs and your budget. cost of installing a new ac unitRemember that taking time to do research now will take the stress out of the shopping process.

There are many different factors you need to take into account when choosing a central AC unit. Before you begin shopping, evaluate the unit that is currently used in your home. How old is the unit? Are you satisfied with the unit's energy efficiency? You will also need to take the following factors into consideration before making a purchasing decision. Choosing an AC unit that is correctly sized is essential. The size of a central AC device is measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs). Units that are too large or too small for your home will lead to discomfort and skyrocketing electricity bills. A professional HVAC dealer will make load calculations based on the size of the area that you want to cool and the type of ductwork in your home. Most manufacturers will also provide information about how many square feet their units are rated to cool. Like most homeowners, you are probably concerned about the energy efficiency of your new central AC unit. Manufacturers have worked hard to improve central AC efficiency ratings, meaning that you're likely to notice electricity savings if you're replacing a system that is more than 10 years old.

Keep a lookout for these ratings, which describe the efficiency of AC units: Before you buy a new central AC system, you'll need to decide if you want to use zone control. If you opt for zone control, you'll be able to control the temperature in individual rooms or areas from a central thermostat. If you do not opt for zone control, you will set the temperature for your whole house from your central thermostat. In addition to choosing the features you want in a new central AC unit, you'll also need to choose the type of system you plan to use. Most consumers will be able to choose from three different types of systems. Remember that some system types might not be a good fit given your home's architecture or the area in which you live. Packaged systems consist of one air conditioner that sits outside of your home on a concrete pad. Many homeowners prefer these types of systems because they are easy to access for maintenance and servicing. If you are installing central AC for the first time, be sure to talk about your unit placement options with a contractor.

Avoid placing the AC unit outside bedroom windows if possible. Split systems consist of an indoor coil that is connected to an outside condenser with a compressor. If you currently use a split system in your home, consider sticking with this design. If you are considering installing a split system for the first time, think carefully about where the coil will be placed so that it is not difficult to access for maintenance and servicing. Heat pumps have become incredibly popular over the past decade because they provide for thorough, efficient cooling of both commercial and residential spaces. A heat pump works by drawing warm air out of your home during the summer and pumping cool air back inside through your duct system. Heat pumps can also be used to provide heat in the winter so long as you live in a relatively moderate climate. A new central air conditioning system represents a significant financial investment. It's important that you work with a qualified dealer who can help you find the unit best suited to your home and oversee professional installation.