Thermostats and Programmable Thermostats Information

Your thermostat or programmable thermostat is an integral part of your comfort
system. These thermostats, whichever type you have, require little maintenance.
Sometimes the only thing people know about their AC and Heating systems is
how to turn the thermostat on and off and change the temperature setting.

A very common occurrence with service calls is
the complaint that the thermostat isn't working properly. Sometimes
this is true but most often it is something entirely different. Because some
people believe the only problem with the system rests with the thermostat,
they'll go down to the local hardware store and purchase a brand new thermostat.
They get home and dust off the tool box, never read any directions, and
proceed to change the thermostat. Some are successful and some are not. Those
that are most likely read some directions or had someone read the directions
for them. The ones that are not successful end up calling a professional in
to finish the job.

The bottom line advice to most people is to call a
professional if something is wrong with your system. The problem may not
be with the thermostat and you may exasperate the problem which will cost
more in the long run. Additionally, If you have a multi-zone system, a
high-efficiency heat pump or even just a heat pump, a regular split-system
AC and a boiler for heat (and you have one thermostat), or an apollo based
system (hot water heated in a water heater) with a split AC system, call
a professional. These systems can be very complex and may require special
sub-bases so the control circuit will work properly. Additionally,
for heat pumps, there are different controls, and wires for these controls
run into the thermostat, they are multi-colored wires. These controls can
be very complex and each wire must go to the correct terminal on the thermostat
or the unit will not run correctly.

Additionally, be aware that thermostats are equipped with heating
and cooling anticipators. Cooling anticipators are not adjustable where
heat
anticipators are adjustable in mechanical thermostats. Setting the heat anticipator
is important for your heating system to function properly. It is set according
to the amp draw on the control heating circuit. Make sure the heat anticipator
is set properly so you will get the best out of your heating system.