Smart devices aim to make our lives easier and more comfortable. For example, with a smart thermostat, you can remotely control your home’s indoor temperature and cut down on your utility bills. Better indoor air quality and increasing your house’s resale value are two additional benefits of installing a smart thermostat, making it a wise and environmentally sound choice. To fully understand the many reasons to consider a smart thermostat, you first need to know how this type of device differs from a regular, programmable thermostat.
Differences Between Programmable and Smart Thermostats
A programmable thermostat is much like a smart thermostat in that you can preset specific temperatures for the device to achieve at certain times throughout the day and night. However, only a smart thermostat can adapt to your family’s routine and change the temperature accordingly to optimize indoor comfort while also maximizing heating and cooling efficiency.
Another difference between smart thermostats and their programmable alternatives is that the latter tend to come with limited temperature scheduling options. Some allow you to only set a temperature schedule for Monday through Friday, and then a separate schedule for Saturday and Sunday. You always have the option to disable a programmable thermostat’s automated settings and make your own temperature adjustments; however, this defeats the purpose of having a programmable thermostat in the first place. On the other hand, you can set as many temperature preferences as you want for every minute of every day with a smart thermostat.
How Does a Smart Thermostat Work?
Smart thermostats use the internet to provide you with a remote connection to your home’s heating and cooling system. Most come with a compatible smartphone app that you can access at any time to view your house’s current temperature as well as adjust the temperature remotely. When you change a setting on the smartphone app, the smart thermostat receives a transmission of the change over your home’s Wi-Fi network. It then tells the HVAC system to produce cool or warm air.
A smart thermostat understands whether to heat or cool your home by using sensors to monitor temperature and humidity levels. When the interior temperature rises above the preset temperature, it signals the HVAC system to lower the room temperature, and vice versa when the home becomes too chilly.
Many smart thermostats use advanced sensors and algorithm-based programming to learn your family’s temperature preferences and make necessary adjustments. These high-tech temperature control units come equipped with a robust CPU for processing user input and a memory board for storing data. They can communicate wirelessly thanks to their antenna. In the event of a power loss, several smart thermostat types will continue to operate thanks to a lithium-ion battery.
The following are the top four benefits of installing a smart thermostat.
1. Save Money
The most common reason that people opt for smart thermostats is because of the savings they provide on heating and cooling expenses. A smart thermostat allows you to save money by helping the HVAC system use less energy as it heats and cools your house. Many experts claim a smart thermostat can cut your HVAC expenses by as much as 20%.
Smart thermostats learn your routine and temperature preferences in order to adapt to your absence or presence at any given time. When you’re gone or asleep, for instance, you can preset the thermostat to turn down the heat. By doing this, you reduce the HVAC system’s energy usage and save money.
Smart thermostats not only allow you to remotely monitor and adjust the temperature, but they can also record your energy use. This makes it easier for both you and the thermostat to pinpoint and address high energy usage issues to save even more money.
2. Enjoy Great Comfort and Convenience
A smart thermostat provides the utmost convenience when it comes to heating and cooling your home. Whether you’re in bed at night, ready to fall asleep, or halfway across the world on vacation, you can control a smart thermostat with your smartphone. You won’t find this level of convenience with any other type of thermostat.
Smart thermostats make it simple to enjoy greater indoor comfort because of the advanced sensors and algorithm-based programming that they use. The sensors inform the thermostats to make necessary adjustments so as to ensure the house’s temperature matches your preset temperature preferences. More so, these sensors keep track of when you’re at home and when you’re away. Using stored historical data, a smart thermostat will adjust the temperature to ensure it’s at your preferred level as soon as you walk through the door.
Another way smart thermostats make your home more comfortable is by monitoring and adjusting humidity levels. A house with too much humidity will feel damp and stuffy. Too much humidity can also compromise indoor comfort and health because it increases mold and mildew formation. With a smart thermostat, your home can automatically keep humidity at a comfortable and healthy level. This makes it easier for the HVAC system to operate, reduces the chances of mold and mildew, and improves indoor air quality, all of which are essential to indoor comfort.
3. Extend the Lifespan of Your HVAC System
As a smart thermostat learns your temperature preferences, it will make small adjustments that reduce overall energy usage. By doing this, the HVAC system uses less energy to heat and cool your home, meaning it will also experience less wear and tear, which extends the system’s overall lifespan.
Smart thermostats can also extend the lifespan of your HVAC system by sending you data-packed alerts. These notifications will instruct you on the best steps to take to address existing or potential issues with the system. For example, you can set the smart thermostat to send you a reminder to change the air filter any time it becomes dirty or clogged. By following this alert, you’ll increase the equipment’s energy efficiency, reduce wear and tear, and extend its lifespan.
4. Increase Your Home’s Resale Value
Installing smart devices can greatly increase the value of your property. Buyers constantly look for houses that provide ultimate convenience. With a smart thermostat, you make it easier for a new homeowner to save money on HVAC expenses while also increasing comfort and convenience.
When appraisers determine the value of a home, they make “adjustments” to the price based on the house’s features and amenities. Homes with smart technology installed usually command higher values and asking prices than those without it.
Are You Ready to Install a Smart Thermostat?
Installing a smart thermostat in your home is one of the smartest moves you can make to save money on heating and cooling expenses, increase indoor comfort, and boost your property’s resale value. If you’re ready to install a smart thermostat, contact Level 9 Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing today. We’re proud to serve residents in St. Louis, Washington, and the surrounding areas. In addition to smart thermostat installation, we specialize in a variety of heating and cooling services, including AC tune-ups, heater repair, and indoor air quality improvement.
