Should You Replace Your Thermostat in Minneapolis?

Minnesota residents spend between 2% and 30% of their annual income on heating costs, making it tough for many families to get through the winter. Just as you get used to frigid temperatures and heavy snowfall, summer is coming, bringing high levels of heat and humidity. You can't prevent these weather extremes, but you can reduce your heating and cooling costs by making your home more efficient.

One way to achieve this is by replacing your thermostat. But how do you know when is the right time? And what about the benefits of a smart thermostat versus a traditional one? To help you decide whether you should replace your thermostat in Minneapolis, let’s take a look at:

A thermostat is one of the most important components of an HVAC system, as it monitors the temperature in your home. If the ambient temperature rises above or dips below your preferred setting, the thermostat tells your HVAC system to start heating or cooling the air. Over time, thermostats become less accurate, making it more difficult to keep your home comfortable. Watch out for these signs that you need to replace your old-fashioned thermostat with a smart thermostat.

Every thermostat has a built-in sensor to measure the temperature and determine when your HVAC system should turn on and off. If that sensor malfunctions, the thermostat won't be able to produce accurate readings. You may notice that you're sweating when the thermostat says it's cool inside or shivering when it shows that you should be warm. In many cases, installing a programmable thermostat is more cost-effective than replacing the temperature sensor in an older model.

If your thermostat isn't taking accurate temperature readings, your HVAC system may also turn on and off more than usual. For example, if you set the thermostat to 74 degrees Fahrenheit during the summer, your air conditioner will kick on when it reaches 75 or higher. A thermostat with a malfunctioning temperature sensor may think it's 75 when it's really 73, causing the air conditioner to turn on when it's not really needed. This wastes energy and puts more wear and tear on your HVAC system.

In some cases, a malfunctioning thermostat leads to long periods of overheating and/or overcooling. When it can't get an accurate temperature reading, this causes your heater or air conditioner to run more than necessary. As a result, your HVAC system will consume more energy, leading to increased energy bills.

And speaking of energy costs…

Every problem described above can lead to a sharp increase in utility expenses. For example, if the average central air conditioner costs 58 cents per hour to operate, an extra 2 hours per day of usage corresponds to an increase of nearly $35 per month. During the winter, a malfunctioning thermostat wastes natural gas, making it even more difficult to cover your utility costs. Of course, your exact costs depend on the size and capacity of your HVAC system. If your electric or gas bill increases unexpectedly, you may need a new thermostat.

The good news is that you don't have to put up with high utility bills and an uncomfortable home. We have extensive experience installing smart thermostats in Minneapolis, ensuring you can take advantage of their many benefits. A smart thermostat uses wireless technology to automatically adjust the temperature settings in your home. These are just a few of the benefits associated with making the switch.

With a traditional thermostat, you have to adjust the temperature manually. If it's cold outside and you forget to lower the temperature before you leave for work, your heater can run all day even though there's no one home to enjoy the warmth. The same thing happens during the summer, except it's your A/C unit that runs all day instead of your heater. This wastes energy and increases your utility bills.

With a smart thermostat, you can create customized temperature preferences for different zones or different times of the day, slashing your utility expenses and saving as much energy as possible.

Smart thermostats automatically adjust the temperature based on your preferred settings. That means you don't have to manually adjust the temperature. You can even set the thermostat to one temperature during the day and then change it right before you get home from work. This makes it possible to keep your home comfortable without running your HVAC system more than needed.

Smart thermostats work with smartphones and tablets, enabling you to adjust the temperature when you're not even home. This has many applications, such as turning up the heat during an unexpected snowstorm or cooling the house if one of your children gets out of school early. With a smart thermostat, Minneapolis residents can increase their comfort without increasing their energy usage or utility costs.

Your smart thermostat can even let you know when your HVAC system needs maintenance, helping you avoid costly repairs and prevent premature wear and tear on the furnace and air conditioner components. For example, if the thermostat notices a sudden change in a furnace's operating patterns, it may advise you to contact an experienced HVAC professional for assistance. By catching problem sooner, you have a higher chance of avoiding costly breakdowns down the road.

MSP Plumbing Heating Air has been providing prompt and friendly service to Minneapolis-St. Paul homeowners since 1918. We proudly offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee, giving you extra peace of mind as you transition from a traditional thermostat to a programmable one. Call (651) 228-9200 or click below to schedule a free estimate today!