DIGITAL THERMOSTAT VS. MERCURY THERMOSTAT

You may ask why a Digital Thermostat instead of a Mercury Thermostat. Digital Thermostats are so much more accurate. Most Digital Thermostats have a back light and are easier to read then a Mercury Thermostat, and a Digital Thermostat contains no Mercury.

Should You Get One?

Many air conditioning and heating companies are now offering and recommending digital thermostats.

We realize they are not for everyone. No one can make you purchase a Digital Thermostat, but the following information may help you make a choice:


What is a Thermostat?

A thermostat is any device that regulates temperature. You use your air conditioning and heating thermostat to control/adjust the temperature in your home.

Is There a Problem With My Old Thermostat That I Have?

The older style, non-digital (Mercury) thermostats are made up of several moving parts which includes a small glass vial that contains mercury. The Mercury Thermostats contain the highest amount of mercury found in ordinary household products!

Besides the health risks, the sensitivity and accuracy of a Mercury Thermostat depends on the moving parts inside. A harsh movement, including accidentally bumping it too hard even while trying to adjust the temperature, can cause the parts in the thermostat to move. If this happens, your thermostat will no longer function properly. Your air conditioning and heating unit may not turn on or off when it is supposed to or turn on at all. What happens then, is you have to pay a technician to come and recalibrate your thermostat.

Another problem with the the Mercury Thermostat is that they can be inaccurate. When properly calibrated, the Mercury Thermostats are usually not 100% exact; resulting in your air conditioning and heating system running longer than it needs to, wasting energy, and money.

Some Benefits of a Digital Thermostat

There are several benefits of having a digital thermostat. Digital Thermostats contain no mercury. Not only is this safer for you, it also helps the planet by eliminating a part of the six to eight tons of mercury that end up in landfills each year (EPA estimate.)

Secondly, a Digital Thermostat contains no moving parts. This eliminates the need for a technician to come and recalibrate the thermostat.

Digital Thermostats have the ability to save you money! Energy Star estimates that up to $200 each year could be saved on your energy bills because of the precision and accuracy of the Digital Thermostat. The thermostat knows exactly when to turn on the air conditioning and heating system in order to be the most efficient. There is no energy (or money) used that does not absolutely have to be used. You can get a Digital Thermostat that has the capability of being programmed. This allows you to set different temperatures for different times of the day or week.

Are Digital Thermostats Right for Everyone?

Digital Thermostats are usually more expensive to purchase, but the savings can usually be recouped within a year. Some people will have to make an adjustment to using a Digital Thermostat, and some people will just refuse to use one. The adjustments to getting used to a Digital Thermostat are a lot less encumbering than most digital products.

NOW THE CHOICE IS YOURS!