If you are like most homeowners, you dread the normal spike in your energy bill during the winter months. These spikes in your energy costs may seem unavoidable, especially if you don’t have a smart thermostat. With a smart thermostat, you can control your home’s temperature from almost anywhere during the colder months. As smart thermostats gain popularity in homes, here are some ways they can reduce your energy costs during the cold months.
What Is a Smart Thermostat?
Simply put, a smart thermostat is a Wi-Fi-connected device that allows you to control the temperature of your home using an app or virtual assistant. When you utilize a smart thermostat, you won’t have to worry about your HVAC system automatically heating your home during the winter. Smart thermostats also come with a wide array of features traditional thermostats don’t have. They even can learn your day-to-day habits and adjust the temperature of your home accordingly. It is important to note, however, that different smart thermostats may have different features.
How Can a Smart Thermostat Save You Money During the Colder Months?
Lowering your energy costs during the cold months may seem difficult. After all, your HVAC system does work harder when the weather is cold. However, it is possible to cut your energy costs with the help of a smart thermostat. Smart thermostats can help you use less electricity by allowing you to lower the temperature of your home when you are not there. You can even schedule your thermostat to reduce the temperature when you go to bed or leave a room (if you have a zoned heating system). Taking these steps can reduce your energy costs while ensuring your home remains at a comfortable temperature.
Smart vs. Programmable Thermostats
You may be wondering what the difference between a traditional programmable thermostat and a smart thermostat is. Programmable thermostats allow you to set the temperature of your home for different times on different days. For example, you can set your home to one temperature during the weekdays and another temperature on the weekends. They do not have smart features and they cannot automatically learn your habits. They can’t connect to Wi-Fi and you typically can’t control them from anywhere.
Programmable thermostats, although they cost less, lack the many convenience features you may get from a smart thermostat. If you currently have a traditional programmable thermostat, you may not be able to save as much on your energy bills since you don’t have usage data to learn from.
Cost-Saving Smart Thermostat Features
At this point, you may be wondering exactly how a smart thermostat can save you money during the winter. The following features and capabilities can help you lower your winter energy costs.
Sensors
Smart thermostats are equipped with a wide variety of sensors. These sensors can help you make smart decisions about your HVAC system use during the winter. Most smart thermostats come with sensors that detect the temperature, occupancy of your home, lights, and humidity. These sensors collect data over time and compile data about your usage patterns. This data can help you know when to turn on the heat to keep your home comfortable. It can also let you know when you need to adjust your HVAC system usage habits to save money and energy.
App Connectivity and Features
You will connect to your smart thermostat via an app. This app allows you to keep track of and control your home’s temperature from anywhere. The app can be especially useful when you are away from home for an extended time or you want to ensure your home is comfortable before you get there. The app can also remind you to schedule HVAC system maintenance or replace air filters. Different thermostats come with different apps, so one smart thermostat may have more features than another. When choosing a smart thermostat be sure to compare app features so you know which one is best for your home.
Smart Home Integration
Do you have smart devices in your home? If you do, depending on the make and model of your smart thermostat, connect your thermostat to other smart devices. Some thermostats can even integrate into your current smart system, allowing you to control all your smart devices from a single app. This can help you save energy. For example, you could potentially program your thermostat to turn off when the window is open. These features are great, but if you don’t have smart devices in your home, you can choose a smart thermostat with more basic features.
Additional Convenience Features
Smart thermostats come with a variety of features. They are often equipped with occupancy sensors, so they know when someone is home. These sensors adjust according to occupancy and can even heat or cool specific rooms in your home (if you have a zoned HVAC system). The thermostat’s geofencing feature allows you to use the location of your phone when you are not home or near your home. When you get close to your home, the thermostat will automatically start to warm it up. Some smart thermostats can be connected to voice-enabled systems such as Google Assistant, Apple’s Siri, and Amazon Alexa.
Look for ENERGY STAR-Certified Smart Thermostats
If you are serious about saving money on your energy bill this winter, you should seek out an ENERGY STAR-certified smart thermostat. ENERGY STAR-certified devices must meet a specific set of guidelines established by the U.S. Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency. ENERGY STAR products use less energy than other products, so you can enjoy savings when it comes to your utility bills. Since they utilize less energy, they are also better for the environment. There are many ENERGY STAR-certified smart thermostats to choose from, so you shouldn’t have trouble finding one that meets your needs.
Is Your HVAC System Compatible With a Smart Thermostat
Before you choose a smart thermostat, you should make sure it will be compatible with your home’s HVAC system. In general, smart thermostats are compatible with most HVAC systems manufactured after 1975. You should also be sure your home’s wiring can support a smart thermostat. Smart thermostats are equipped with C-wires, which are short for common wires. These wires are low-voltage and thin and they ensure a constant supply of power to your thermostat. If you aren’t sure what type of wiring you have, you should reach out to a professional.
Potential Incentives This Winter
If you purchase a smart thermostat for this winter, you can enjoy numerous benefits over time. Often, smart thermostats can help you lower your energy costs immediately. You may even be able to benefit from additional incentives from your energy company. Many energy companies offer rebates on smart heating devices as a way to get customers to reduce their energy consumption.
Schedule Service Today
Level 9 Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing in Washington, MO, offers a host of air conditioning, heating, plumbing, indoor air quality, and commercial HVAC services. We are more than confident we can help you find and install the right smart thermostat to keep your home warm and cozy. Level 9 Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing has been in business since 1975, and we have done work for countless satisfied customers. Our professionals are knowledgeable, friendly, and committed to helping homeowners. Contact us today to schedule service at your earliest convenience.
