| Why has your electric or fuel been so much more | | | | attic or basement. |
| expensive in the past few months than it was | | | | While most of an HVAC system can be quite |
| this time last year? Last year fuel and energy | | | | expensive to repair or replace, the most |
| cost skyrocketed, but since has levelled off and | | | | inexpensive unit to have tested or replaced is the |
| throughout most of the country have lessened | | | | thermostat or humidistat. Most of the |
| somewhat. Shouldn't this year's costs have | | | | thermostats available on the market are digital in |
| lessened proportionately? | | | | nature. Many of these are programmable which, if |
| While the temperature has been a little warmer | | | | programmed properly, can actually allow a |
| during the past month, it still doesn't explain the | | | | homeowner's energy costs to decrease slightly |
| overly large bill. The biggest consumer of | | | | every month. |
| electricity or fuel is the heating and air conditioning | | | | Many HVAC service companies use the identical |
| of a home. Next in line would be the water | | | | models found in the larger brick and mortar |
| heater, refrigerator, and clothes dryer. | | | | hardware store. This doesn't mean that a |
| Perhaps a cause of the increase in the monthly bill | | | | homeowner is able to run out to the big orange |
| is due to friends or family visiting recently. If | | | | home improvement store and pick out any |
| there has not been any visitors, then look closely | | | | thermostat. Thermostats need to be paired |
| as personal and family habits. Has anyone changed | | | | properly with the type of HVAC system the |
| how frequently showers are being taken? Are | | | | homeowner uses. |
| more meals being prepared at home on the | | | | Wiring diagrams are included with each |
| stove? Should none of these possibilities hold any | | | | thermostat, however, these diagrams are never |
| insight, the next step is looking at the HVAC | | | | all inclusive of all types of wiring schematics. Many |
| equipment. | | | | times after following the wiring directions, one |
| While the large majority of homeowners do not | | | | wire will be left without a connection being made. |
| have the correct tools or knowledge and | | | | Many thermostats have more than one of the |
| experience for testing the functionally of circuit | | | | same colored wire that went to two different |
| boards, refrigerant levels, condensers, and so | | | | connections on the old thermostat, but not the |
| forth, the homeowner can tell if the compressor, | | | | new one. It can be exceptionally frustrating and |
| or outside unit is running smoothly or rough, just | | | | confusing for a do-it-yourself type person and is |
| by listening and looking at the unit. Depending upon | | | | just best left up to the professional service |
| the type of heating and cooling system present, a | | | | technician. |
| home may also have a separate air handler in the | | | | |