How old is your heating, ventilation and cooling (HVAC) system’s thermostat? The thermostat serves as the control interface for your HVAC system. You can adjust the temperature while subsequently activating your air conditioning system, furnace or heat pump. While all thermostats provide an interface for controlling HVAC equipment, though, old thermostats fall short in several ways. If you have an old thermostat, you may want to upgrade it to a new thermostat for the following reasons.

Improved Functionality

You can take advantage of improved functionality by upgrading your old thermostat. In the past, thermostats were designed with limited features. You could use them to raise or lower the temperature in your home, but that’s about it. New thermostats are equipped with additional features, such as Wi-Fi connectivity, mobile app control, programming and more.

Energy Efficiency

Upgrading your old thermostat may result in a more energy-efficient HVAC system. According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), switching to a programmable thermostat can save homeowners up to 10% on their electricity bills. If you have an old thermostat that doesn’t support programming, making the switch will likely prove to be a smart investment.

Good for the Environment

New thermostats are good for the environment. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says that using a programmable thermostat can save up to 150 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions each year. They are more energy efficient than old thermostats. Not only will it save you money on electricity bills, but a new thermostat will promote a cleaner environment by minimizing carbon dioxide emissions.

Compatibility

If you’re planning on upgrading your HVAC system in the near future, you may have to upgrade the thermostat as well. Thermostats aren’t universally interchangeable. Old thermostats may not work with a new HVAC system. Alternatively, new thermostats may not work with an old HVAC system. If you have an old thermostat that’s not compatible with your HVAC system, you may want to upgrade it.

Greater Comfort

Perhaps the most notable reason to upgrade an old thermostat is greater comfort. Old thermostats have limited temperature control options, which can make it difficult to maintain a consistent and comfortable temperature in your home. A new thermostat, on the other hand, can precise temperature control, allowing you to adjust the temperature to your exact preference. Additionally, programmable and smart thermostats can automatically adjust the temperature based on your schedule.