Why should you consider upgrading to a mercury-free digital thermostat when your old one is working fine? The reasons are flexibility, accuracy, savings on your heating and cooling bills, and protecting the environment. When contacting HVAC companies, ask how they dispose of the old thermostats. Just putting them in a landfill risks contaminating our waterways with the mercury that leaks from discarded components.
Flexibility
The weather in Ohio can change drastically in the course of a day. Many of the newer thermostats are programmable not only at the device, but remotely using your computer or smartphone. With online access and wireless connectivity, you have the flexibility to change the temperature setting when the Southwest Ohio weather changes while you’re away from your home.
Accuracy
The new digital thermostats are more accurate as well as being mercury-free, so the temperature in your home can be maintained at a level that is comfortable for your family.
Having a temperature that is just one degree cooler in winter or warmer in summer, on a consistent basis, can yield a savings of 2 percent on your heating and cooling bills. If your thermostat is just a few degrees off and causes your system to run longer than necessary, it’s costing you money.
Protecting the Environment
Since 2008, Ohio has been among a growing number of states that have banned the sale and/or use of thermostats containing mercury. Fish consumption advisories are often issued because of high levels of mercury contained in their flesh. You can do your part to help prevent future contamination and reduce your energy bills by upgrading to a new programmable mercury-free thermostat. Check with your HVAC contractor to make sure they participate in Thermostat Recycling Corporation’s (TRC) program for collecting used thermostats containing mercury, disassembling them, and recycling the mercury. According to the TRC, there are approximately 4 grams of mercury in a thermostat.
Ace Hardware Home Services, Inc. has been serving the Dayton area for three generations. Our friendly staff is ready to help you choose the correct mercury-free thermostat for your home and to answer any of your heating or cooling questions.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Dayton, Ohio about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).
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