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The right way of using Programmable Thermostats

You can expect your energy bills to be more than expected if you do not use a Thermostat with your heating and cooling home comfort appliances. Did you know that Thermostats help save up to 15% on energy bills by turning the appliances off and on or tuning them to high or low temperature as per the outside temperature suggest? The past one decade has been quite interesting. HVAC technologies have seen a massive change and advancement as the zoning system, carbon monoxide detectors and Smart Thermostats have been introduced. Life has become much more easier than before. With special reference to the Programmable Thermostats, homeowners that use this technology in the right way are able to save up to 15% or more on the energy bills. Although the users of such Thermostats across Canada are in thousands, it is unfortunate that not even half of them know the proper use of Programmable/Smart Thermostats and thus despite installing the device, continue to have fatty energy bills. Here we mention ways to program the Thermostat accurately in order to enjoy its full benefits.

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Thermostat - Which one to choose?
Depending upon your individual needs, the type of thermostat you should buy would be different. Different type of Programmable Thermostats offers different programming options. Check out the options below.:

7-day Programming Thermostat
Families with abrupt routines can find this Thermostat to be the best since it allows different programming for every single day of the week. Usually, the price range of such Thermostats is between $55-$125. If you're looking for different scheduling for every single day, go for 7-day programming Thermostat.

5-1-1 Programming Thermostat
As the name indicates, 5 is for 5 days (working days) of the week while 1-1 is for Saturday and Sunday. Such type of Thermostats allow one programming for the working days while two different programming options for Saturdays and Sundays. If your routine remains the same throughout the week but changes on the weekends, it is suitable for you to choose this one. Average price range for this Thermostats is $35-$78

5-2 Programming Thermostat
This type of Thermostat allows one programming schedule for the entire week while a different programming for Saturdays and Sundays

1 Week Programming
1-week Programming Thermostats offer one schedule for the entire week option. Although they are less likely to save the same amount of energy but nonetheless help save. Also, how efficient does a Thermostat perform depends on how it is being used. Remember installing a Thermostat is not enough. You should know the proper use as well.

Here's how to program a Programmable Thermostat the right way
The Thermostats are usually set on an auto setting keeping in consideration the routine of a typical family but you never know what kind of typical family. So it is important to adjust it according to your own schedules and needs. A Programmable Thermostat usually has the following options:

  • Wake Time
  • Sleep Time
  • Leave Time
  • Return Time

Department of energy suggests the following settings in order to make the most savings:
Save Energy in Winters like this:  
For the Winter month,
  • Program the Thermostat at 68 degrees F for the time when you're home and are awake.
  • Lower this temperature of 68 degrees by 10-15 degrees when you're asleep or away from house.

Save Energy In Summers like this
The suggestions for Summers in order to save energy go as:
  • When you're at home, program the Thermostat at 78 degrees F
  • Program the Air Conditioner to completely shut off when you're out of the house
  • Program your Thermostat to turn off the AC 20-30 minutes before you leave home
  • Go reverse, set the Thermostat to turn the Air Conditioning on 20-30 minutes before you return home
  • Set the Thermostat to reduce the cooling almost an hour before you go to sleep
  • Set the Thermostat to increase cooling half an hour before you wake up

It is a good practice to play around with your Thermostat, changing setting for a whole week and figure out which one works best for you. But never forget to program your Thermostat after installing it.

Happy venture with Programmable Thermostats

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Carbon Monoxide Detector - Why do I need it?

If you've been using appliances at home that utilise kerosene, gasoline, charcoal, propane, natural gas, heating oil or wood without installing a carbon monoxide detector, you've been risking yours and your family's life all the way through. It is because a gas called Carbon Monoxide is a byproduct of almost all the above-mentioned fuels and if you didn't know it before, here's the shocking news for you that Carbon Monoxide is named the ''Silent Killer''. The reason for naming it with such a horrible title is its horrendous effects. Carbon Monoxide is intensely harmful to humans and other living beings. It mixes up with the haemoglobin and once goes worse ends up killing a person. But the even shocking thing is that you cannot suspect the presence of Carbon Monoxide since it is colourless, odourless and tasteless. So you never know, while you're reading this article, the gas might be around you. Are you feeling it? No! Because it kills silently.

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How to protect yourself from the Silent Killer?

When there's a problem, there's necessarily a solution to it too. So how to protect yourself from the danger of CO? The solution is simpler than you could've imagined and that is; Install a CO detector. CO detector is basically a device that works similar to the smoke detectors. They're designed to sense a certain level of CO. When the detector/alarm senses that there's a presence of CO within the home, it beeps up and alarms you so you could hurry and save yourself. However, installing a detector is not enough. One has to maintain it well, and the two most important maintenance tips for CO detectors are:
  • Install them but then don't forget that they run on batteries. Change the batteries once every year at least.
  • Do not try to hide the detector behind curtains, sofas or any other furniture. This affects not only the operation of the device but also its lifetime.

Where to place the CO Detector/Alarm?

You do not necessarily have to call a tech to install the detector. Do some YouTubing and you're done. The placement of detector, however, is usually best at the ceiling and there's a reason for that: Smoke and gases rise up and therefore, the best location to trap their presence is the ceiling. But that is not a hard and fast rule. You can change the location depending on your ease provided that it is beyond the reach of children and pets, can operate properly and most importantly you could hear the alarm when it rings.
When we are awake it is easy to sense the ringing than when we're asleep. While we are prone to the danger more when we are in deep sleep, it is recommended to install the detector units somewhere close to the bedrooms so that its alarm could be heard easily even when you're sleeping.

Prevention is better than Cure - Install one now!

They say prevention is better than cure and they say it right. Every year, tens of families suffer due to CO poisoning. Many lose their lives just because of CO leaks at home that are mainly from Furnace or Gas Fireplace. So it is better to choose prevention than to be dragged for the cure later. CO detectors/alarms are inexpensive, easy to install, easy to maintain and yet life-saving. It is wise to install a Carbon Monoxide detector in order to avoid any unhappy incidents. Buy one now, install one now!
Stay Safe!

Happy home comfort!

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Four FAQs about Air Conditioners

People throughout Toronto use different ways for home cooling. While some prefer central Air Conditioners, other find Mini Splits or Ductless more suitable for them while some other prefer Window ACs and in rare cases, some love their ceiling fan enough to not replace it with anything else. All these different cooling techniques have been there for some time, however, in the recent years, Ductless Air Conditioners have become more popular. Several people have already converted to ductless and there are many who are looking to convert to Ductless Air Conditioners but want to make sure if this would be a right decision. We're mentioning commonly asked Ductless AC FAQ's to help homeowners get the answers and choose with ease.

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FAQ1: Why is Ductless AC worth it?
What most homeowners ask it, why should they convert to Ductless? How would it actually benefit them in terms of efficiency and savings? Here's the answer:

* Ductless AC's are perfect for homes that are built without ducts. Installing a ductwork is both expensive and time-consuming. Ductless AC’s can work without any ducts.
* Ductless ACs are easy to install, easy to relocate and easy to repair. It's all easy here dude!
* Ductless not only cost less in initial purchase, they also help save up to 30% on energy bills yearly

* Hate noises? Purchase Ductless. It's a quiet kid.

* Ductless are more secure compared with Central ACs
FAQ2: What kind of maintenance Ductless ACs require?
When it comes to maintenance, nothing different than the Central Air Conditioner maintenance is required. Just like the filters and components of a central AC need to be cleaned, same goes for ductless ACs. The filters, the indoor, outdoor units need to be cleaned. pipes should be checked for any possible leaks and wires for any possible damages. That's all. Nothing complex.

FAQ3: What does SEER of an Air Conditioner mean?
SEER is an abbreviation of Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. It is a unit used to refer to Air Conditioner's efficiency and is measured on energy used and the cooling given in that much consumption of energy. The more the SEER value the better the efficiency of the Air Conditioner. 13 is the least value a ductless AC should have while the higher range goes up to 27-28 SEER
FAQ4: How are Ductless systems more efficient than  Central Air Conditioners?
The most convincing reason to install Ductless is that Ductless ACs don't require a duct which means 30% of energy does not get wasted which in the case of Duct ACs does. In addition, ducts are mostly not tightly installed and leaks take place which also contributes to energy loss. All these factors are not present in the Ductless system. It simply works without a ductwork saving 30% energy while also giving quick cooling.

So, do you have any other Air Conditioner questions? Are you bewildered to switch to Ductless Air Conditioner or not? Do you wish to fix your fatty energy bills problem? Here's the answer:
Consult an HVAC professional and have him inspect your system as well as your home requirements to suggest what is the best suitable to you. Remember, although Ductless AC's are what most people are turning to, there are still some homes where Duct ACs can work the best. So before you make a hefty investment, seek a professional suggestion.

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