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Fitch Services

Fitch Services

Family-Owned Since 1983

Emergency Service 434-296-9980

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Home Helpful Tips HVAC How to Choose a Programmable Thermostat

How to Choose a Programmable Thermostat

A man in Charlottesville Virginia uses their phone to program their thermostat

Choosing a programmable thermostat can reduce your heating and cooling costs by almost 10 percent a year, Energy Star says.

Summer days in Charlottesville get hot. But you can enjoy returning home to a delightfully cool home after work without spending money to run your air conditioner all day.

A programmable thermostat lets you schedule your HVAC system to turn off when you leave for the day and restart just in time to cool the house for your arrival. No more wasting money to cool an empty house!

If you’re ready for the savings and comfort of a programmable thermostat, here’s what to consider.

What type of heating/cooling system do you currently have?

How much scheduling flexibility do you need?

What level of technology are you comfortable with?

Will you use Wi-Fi or remote programming functions?

Can I install a programmable thermostat on my own?

How do I schedule an appointment with Fitch Services in Charlottesville, Va.?

What type of heating/cooling system do you currently have?

Some systems require specially designed programmable thermostats, so it’s critical to be sure you’re choosing a model that pairs with your current heating/cooling units. Considerations may include: the type of heating/cooling system, one- or two-stage systems, voltage, and existing wiring.

How much scheduling flexibility do you need?

When choosing a programable thermostat, you can select from models that offer a 7-day program (a different schedule each day of the week) and 5-2 or 5-1-1 models that provide weekday-weekend schedules. If everyone is out of the house for weekday work hours, a 5-2 or 5-1-1 model may be fine; if everyone is coming and going at different times every day of the week, it’s probably best to go with a 7-day option.

What level of technology are you comfortable with?

Do you want to set the schedule, or let the device ‘learn’ your schedule? There are ‘smart’ devices available that follow a schedule that they learn based on your actual use and preferences. Some of these even pair with your phone and location — allowing them to automatically adjust the temperature when you leave the house!

Will you use Wi-Fi or remote programming functions?

Several models on the market today allow you to adjust the temperature or the schedule from your phone. Some models work with smart-home technologies such as Amazon Echo or Google Home, so you can tell your smart device to adjust the temperature without ever leaving the couch!

Can I install a programmable thermostat on my own?

Depending on the type of heating and cooling system you have, it can be tricky to install a programmable thermostat. Save yourself the hassle and headache by contacting Fitch Services to take care of the installation for you! We’ll also help you choose a programmable thermostat that will work with your current HVAC system and provide the scheduling flexibility you require.

How do I schedule an appointment with Fitch Services in Charlottesville, Va.?

Now’s the time to call us so you can start taking advantage of your new programmable thermostat right away — and all year long.

Call (434) 296-9980 or use our contact form to schedule a convenient appointment with one of our licensed, bonded, and insured technicians.

Call Us Now

Still have questions?

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Real Reviews from Your Charlottesville Neighbors

See All Reviews

I can’t say enough good things!! We had an emergency, no AC during the 113+ heat wave on a Friday holiday afternoon (worst timing!!!). I called multiple companies and only Fitch called me back.
Larry was fantastic!! He kept me informed as to when he anticipated getting to us, and called when on his way, and showed up when he said he would.
He was, again, fantastic! Explained the issue and promptly fixed it. Our house was literally 98 degrees. Everything is running smoothly!
And, for an emergency call late on a Friday afternoon, the cost was incredibly reasonable.
I highly HIGHLY recommend their services. We now have them on speed dial and will absolutely be using them again for our needs, even for other services they offer we have yet to use.
Again, thank you Larry & Fitch Services from us and our pups - for being there when we needed you most and delivering exceptional customer service. 5 stars for sure!

Julie D. (Charlottesville, VA)

I am proud to say I have been a client of Fitch Services since they began. My family has always received courteous and timely service for plumbing, heating and air conditioning, and electrical issues. They have installed and maintain a whole house generator. That was a fantastic decision. I use their annual maintenance plans for all of my systems. I personally recommend Fitch Services.

Barbara M. (Charlottesville, VA)

I knew of Fitch Services and their technicians via my place of employment. The technician's honest and forthright approach to their work was very much appreciated... They were initially contacted to come to our residence to address a clogged kitchen sink drain line. It was suggested to us we replace the drain line instead of snaking it. When the old drain line was cut out and shown to me, it was amazing anything had gotten through that line! Glad we chose to replace it... We also inquired about replacing/updating all the galvanized supply lines in our home. The scope of the work needed and how it would be done was discussed to make sure we understood... We appreciated the honest assessment of how the project might or would go. While the technicians were on our project, they kept us updated with daily conversations towards the end of their working day. The finished project has been great! We were excited to finally have full flow of the hot water! Fitch is now our 'go to' plumber.

John K. (Charlottesville, VA)

I've used Fitch for a few years now for both electrical and plumbing work. They are professional and do a great job on things both big and small. Twice we have had pretty huge jobs and they have come in under budget. Plus, the service technicians are friendly and work hard and the office staff communicates very well. Definitely recommend!

Tom P. (Charlottesville, VA)

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Fitch Services

Family-Owned Since 1983

Emergency Service 434-296-9980

Call Us Now

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Licensed Class A Mechanical Contractor

Chris Fitch, President
[email protected]

1325 East High Street
Charlottesville, VA 22902

Phone: (434) 296-9980
Fax: (434) 293-8929

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