If you have an older thermostat in your home, it likely contains mercury. Read on to find out about the benefits of a mercury-free thermostat. But first some information on the hazards of mercury…
Mercury has been utilized throughout history in products and during manufacturing processes. It is a highly toxic and a powerful neuro-toxin. Even a minimal amount of mercury can cause serious health issues and have environmental i
mpacts as well. It can poison humans and pets, contaminate water supply, and infect fish and wildlife.
In 2005 New England’s Zero Mercury Campaign finally took action and strongly recommended the following:
- Gradually stop selling mercury thermostats.
- Prohibit the discarding of all thermostats containing mercury into the solid waste stream.
- Require developers to implement energy-efficient mercury-free thermostats into their building plans.
- Demand that manufacturers create a cost-effective collection system and acquire 90 percent of mercury-containing thermostats. After they are collected, have them safely recycled. If they fail to reach this goal, manufacturers should form a bounty system to be certain that the collection percentage has been reached.
- Collection bins for wholesalers and manufacturers should be mandatory as part of the mercury collection program.
- Collection stations should be created at retail stores where thermostats are sold.
- Demand that government agencies along with low-income housing facilities install only mercury-free thermostats in brand-new buildings and current renovations.
Benefits of a mercury-free thermostat include:
- Nontoxic and non-hazardous to your family’s health and the environment.
- Most digital styles are programmable to control temperatures when you are not at home or are sleeping.
- If used correctly, can save energy and money.
- Energy efficient whether you purchase an electric or digital model.
- Can be disposed of safely and properly.
- Temperature control is more accurate.
Although thermostats only contain a small amount of mercury, they can wreak havoc on the environment and your health due to improper disposal. The benefits of a mercury-free thermostat and the drive to switch over is of utmost importance and an important step toward a healthier environment.
For expert advice about the benefits of a mercury-free thermostat, please contact us at Hansberger Refrigeration and Electric Co., where we have been serving customers in the Yuma area since 1952.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Yuma, Arizona about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about thermostats and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
Credit/Copyright Attribution: “Danylo-Samiylenko/Shutterstock”
