Technological advancements are great, they have helped our lives in so many ways. In the heating and cooling trades we have seen technology change just about everything we touch.
I have seen thermostats develop from very basic models to what now is basically a computer hanging on a wall. They can monitor the temperature inside the home and outside, they have touch screens, back lights and can be controlled remotely. After the programs have been set on even the most basic digital models they will control themselves, people really aren’t needed after that point.
These are actually fantastic advancements, they have helped control our heating and cooling spending. With the rising cost of utilities anything that can keep the monthly bills to a minimum is helpful. One of the easiest ways to watch our budget today is as simple as having a new thermostat installed.
Now you might be asking yourself what could be the problem.
I have been installing heating and cooling equipment for many years through my own business. Through that time I have tried to stay pace with technology, not necessarily on the leading edge, but following along.
Some contractors refuse to enter the new age, others leave for the new age as soon as it pulls into the station. I have seen my share of technological and product failures, but I have to say thermostats have been a nice change.
Now to my point. I have many customers that will not have a digital thermostat, anything programmable, any thermostat that has more than a dial hanging on their wall. As a rule I would normally install a new digital, programmable thermostat with every heating/ cooling installation, but I have found that it is not always welcome.
From my experience I have learned that not everyone wants to be advanced. I have had people tell me to get the new thermostat out of their house, they wanted their old one back. That couldn’t happen but I did have to install one that looked and acted like the old one.
In my present home I had a digital, programmable thermostat, even had it programmed the way I wanted. Well my wife’s work schedule changed and she was home more, so the buttons were being pushed quite often. The schedule was off, then on, the temperature was being changed, almost like it was a remote control.
No matter how I worked the programs, it eventually did not work. So I removed that model and installed a basic digital thermostat, no programs, just a few buttons. As long as we remember to adjust the temperature for evenings, mornings and when we are out, it works well.
Many customers, some older in age, but not all, just do not want to touch the thermostat after dialing the temperature, they just want the basics.
I have found that many people who want the basic thermostats are pretty thrifty. Their utility bills are lower than many who have the most advanced of every product. Maybe it is their mentality or they actually watch what they spend, as opposed to most of us with the set it and forget it mind set.
So how do you argue that the most advanced is the best? Technology is great, but the advancements are not for everyone.
