In this blog we will discuss how control software affects our lifestyle, and the relationship of software and hardware to how we live our daily lives.Are You Guilty?Too hot? Too Cold? The thermostat in your house is likely controlled by built-in software. You can program this software for time-of-day settings, heating and cooling, home and away or just manually. If you are like many families, there is a frustration level that is reached when programming your thermostat settings. For this reason, manual settings are used quite frequently. Here is the problem: There are many factors that affect the temperature inside your home; windows, doors, insulation, outside air temperature, as well as the efficiency of your HVAC equipment. Most thermostats, even the high-end models, won't warn you if you are set in manual. The only way to know for sure is to physically walk to the thermostat and check it. Generally, once the thermostat has been set to manual operation, that is where it stays.Consider this: If you leave your home for work and the children are off to school,with the thermostat in the manual cooling position set at occupied temperature of 73, your home will continue to maintain that temperature. On a hot summer day with temperatures in the 90's, imagine how often your air conditioner runs (or runs continuously). Obviously, having the thermostat preprogrammed for your regular work schedule would allow a temperature set up of several degrees, with timing to bring it back to your normal occupied temperature just before you return home. How much is your frustration worth?Possible solution: Remote programmable thermostats. Today, with all the technology in electronics and all the fancy cell phones, it is easy to find thermostats that can be programmed from your smart phone. Companies such as Honeywell, Radio Thermostat, Nest, Lennox and Trane are just a few of many that manufacture these thermostats. They range in a wide variety of features and are priced for most budgets. Remember, if used correctly, they will pay for themselves rapidly.Summary: If your are not interested in saving money on heating and air conditioning bills, then ignore this blog. However, if you want to consider the possibilities of remote control heating and cooling, then you might want to look into some of the thermostats mentioned above. It should be worth your time (and money).Stay Cool (or Warm),Troy McCoach, CSE
