For the most part, your HVAC system’s thermostat performs a pretty straightforward task: telling your air conditioner or furnace to either raise or lower the temperature. A basic, conventional should be able to do this. But a programmable thermostat can do more.
Marsh Heating and Air Conditioning is your trusted HVAC company in Andover MN. We have the full lineup of Lennox iComfort thermostats, which deliver precise temperature settings as well as many significant advantages.
Manual vs. Programmable Thermostats
To help you identify the difference between these two types of thermostats, here’s a quick comparison:
Manual thermostats use a bi-metal strip or a coil that is connected to the thermometer. When the temperature goes up, the metal expands; when the temperature goes down, the metal contracts. Typically, the contacts are linked to a mercury bulb. On one side, the heater connections are waiting for the mercury. When the temperature decreases, the bi-metal causes the bulb to tilt towards the heating contacts, causing the heating system to turn on. The reverse tilt will cause the cooling system to get going.
On the other hand, programmable thermostats do not use mercury bulbs. They are provided with a tiny part called “thermistor”, which measures the temperature from the sensor. Then, the computer chip reads and estimates the temperature.
A programmable, touchscreen thermostat allows you to set the temperatures for varying times of the day, as well as different days of the week. It lets you set your HVAC system to only produce cooled or heated air only when you need it.
Such a device offers multiple settings for different times of the day, enabling you to keep your home comfortable. You can set the thermostat in advance to turn on the air conditioning or heating an hour before you wake up and change the temperature settings during different times of the day, based on the outside climate.
Here’s one of the feature-packed thermostats from Lennox.
Features of the Lennox ComfortSense 7500 Touch Screen Thermostat
Customizable settings for every day of the week allow you to control your heating and cooling around your family’s schedule. And with just one touch, you can put the thermostat into an energy-saving Away Mode.
When connected to a Lennox®heat pump and Lennox furnace, the ComfortSense®7500 will automatically switch between electric and gas operation to keep you warm, based on whichever is most cost-effective.
Like most thermostats, the ComfortSense® 7500 gives you the option of programming a setback temperature that allows you to save energy when you’re gone for the day. A key difference is that ComfortSense 7500 steps up performance before you step through the door upon your return home.
Energy Reports let you compare your monthly heating and cooling usage. Using this information, you can adjust your settings as needed to reduce energy consumption and utility bills.
The large touchscreen with adjustable brightness makes programming simple. An option for displaying outdoor temperature helps you keep tabs on what’s going on outside.
Its versatile programming options offer custom comfort and energy savings.
Smooth Setback Recovery senses extreme temperature changes and begins the temperature recovery process up to 2 hours before the programmed time.
One-Touch Away Mode overrides your regular programming schedule when you’re away and automatically turns down heating or cooling to save energy.
Filter Reminder reminds you when its time to change the filter.
Customizable Reminders allow you to set a series of service and parts replacement reminders, which display on the home screen.
Auto Changeover decides between heating and cooling operation, depending on indoor temperature.
Dual-Fuel Capability increases the efficiency of dual-fuel heating systems by automatically alternating between gas and electric operation.
Humidity Control
Works with the whole-house humidity-control systems to adjust the home’s humidity level
This product comes with a 5-year Limited Warranty.
Ask Marsh Heating and Air Conditioning
Upgrading to the ComfortSense®7500 is a step toward achieving greater control over your home’s indoor temperature, not to mention huge energy savings.
To find out more about this product, talk to one of our Coon Rapids heating and air conditioning specialists. We will provide you with the right information and help you make an informed decision.