Most, if not all, modern homes are now constructed with wireless devices to make adjusting heating and cooling easy. For example, all you need is an internet connection. A smart thermostat is required to control your heating and cooling from your phone or computer. Let’s cover some of the important factors of smart thermostats so you know if they are something you would be interested in having.
What You Can Get With a Smart Thermostat
Remote Control
The most talked-about feature is your ability to change the temperature of your home from anywhere in the world using your phone or laptop and an internet connection. Say for example you are on vacation and forgot to lower the ambient temperature of your home from 70 degrees Fahrenheit to a cool 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Depending on how long you are on your vacation you could save yourself some money by lowering the temperature from your condo on the beach halfway across the world.
Your smart thermostat can also detect any issues and alert you through a notification on your phone. This allows you to get any necessary repairs scheduled before you come back.
Smart Thermostats Learn
Many smart thermostats these days can learn your schedule and increase or decrease the temperature based on your work and play schedule. This feature can save you a lot of money on just your monthly expenses. The schedule that your thermostat learns can be altered at any time.
Program Your Thermostat
If you really want to get the most out of your thermostat you can program it. Programs can be done daily and/or weekly. This allows you to set the temperature of any hour during the week or weekend based on your needs. You can do this from your phone, computer, or the thermostat itself.
Other Features
Smart thermostats can tell you when you need to schedule routine maintenance. You will never miss a filter change ever again. Monitoring your data is a useful feature as well. You can view your energy consumption weekly to keep you updated and allow you to make corrections the next week to save even more money on your utility bills.
The Downside of Smart Thermostats
Money
Smart thermostats cost more than a conventional thermostat. Some cost more than others so before you purchase you will want to narrow down the features you want and determine how long it will take to save the money you spent on the thermostat. It is not recommended for rental units or if you plan on moving.
Initial Install
A certified technician should be the one installing your thermostat. If you have experience installing thermostats you may be capable but with smart thermostats, you are dealing with internet connections, thermostat alignment, and generally a receiving unit that is associated with the actual HVAC unit.
Some More Complicated Than Others To Program
If you are “tech-savvy” you may not have a problem programming your thermostat to your lifestyle, but others may find it too complicated. If you do not program your thermostat it will not save you any money on energy costs.
Older HVAC Systems
In a perfect world, all HVAC systems would be compatible with new smart thermostats; however, this is not the case. It is important to speak with a professional to make sure the smart thermostat that you want to purchase is compatible with the HVAC system in your home.
Other Concerns
Make sure to thoroughly check the specifications of the smart thermostat you want. Some come with wireless capability but not through the internet. These devices will work wirelessly in your home using different technologies.
Conclusion
In conclusion, making your home comfortable while you are there and saving money while you are gone is the best aspect of smart thermostats. Your home’s value may even increase with this addition. To check out many of the options available you can visit any home improvement center. They can help you make an educated decision on which thermostat is right for you.
For thermostat installs in St. George, please give us a call at Alpine Temperature Control. We are trained professionals and want to help you stay comfortable and save money.
