Smart thermostats are one of the trendiest choices in today’s HVAC industry. Homeowners often choose smart thermostats for the promise of added efficiency, but there are also huge benefits in terms of comfort and control. With many high-quality designs on the market that are also cost-effective, smart thermostats are highly appealing. If you’re wondering whether a smart thermostat is worth the investment, here are several good reasons to follow the trend.
What Is a Smart Thermostat?
Although there isn’t an industry-wide standard defining a smart thermostat, all models have a handful of distinguishing features. Foremost, a smart thermostat automatically adjusts the temperature settings in a house. Depending on the season and the homeowner’s preferred setting, the number of adjustments might range from 4 to 25 per day.
Most smart thermostats also allow you to set a target temperature range. This is especially useful in the spring and fall when you’re trying to avoid turning on the heat or air conditioning too often. For example, you might set the thermostat so that the heater doesn’t turn on until the temperature drops to 66 degrees Fahrenheit. At the same time, you might tell the smart thermostat not to switch on the AC until the temperature rises to 78 degrees.
Typically, smart thermostats have better sensor packages than you’ll find in standard models. While a manual model might be accurate within 3 to 4 degrees Fahrenheit, a smart thermostat should be accurate down to 1 degree.
Energy Savings
The big argument for a smart thermostat is efficiency. Many models can save homeowners 10% to 15% on their utility bills. Even the most advanced models typically cost several hundred dollars at most. In most cases, the odds are high that a smart thermostat will pay for itself within 12 to 18 months. Notably, some utility companies offer rebates to homeowners who install smart thermostats, so the payback period could be even shorter.
Comfort Control
Enhanced comfort control is another major selling point. In particular, scheduling is a great benefit of a smart thermostat. You can set a smart thermostat to drop the temperature while you’re sleeping, for example. Not only does this improve efficiency, but cooler temperatures at night often lead to more restful sleep.
Likewise, you can schedule the smart thermostat to target a tighter and more comfortable range when you’re going to be around and awake. You can set it to a less aggressive heating and cooling level when you’re away, and the smart thermostat can kick up performance shortly before you return home.
Some models even use geofencing systems that talk to your smartphone or the assistant in your car. These smart thermostats will determine when you might be 15 minutes away so that they can make your home more comfortable before you arrive.
If you have a zoned HVAC system, a smart thermostat can be a huge boost. Smart thermostats are available with zoned controls that allow you to grant permissions or even lock out zones. If you have a guest bedroom, you might set that zone to high efficiency most of the time. When you have a guest, though, you can grant them permission to control the temperature.
Reporting
Smart thermostats make maintenance and efficiency easier with advanced reporting features. Most mid-market models now offer reports that detail what the recorded temperature was and how many times the system cycled. Better ones also track weather data. Some can even track your HVAC maintenance schedule, sending reminders about when to change filters or schedule an annual checkup.
Integration
Today’s smart thermostats readily integrate with other smart technologies. The vast majority are compatible with systems like Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa and Google Nest. Most also support smartphone access, allowing you to make changes while you’re away. The newest options include AI technology that can track your HVAC usage patterns to maximize comfort and efficiency, too.
G. R. Freeman Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. provides heating and cooling services to customers in Evansville, IN, and nearby areas. Our technicians are licensed, trained and experienced, and we offer a satisfaction guarantee. We are available 24/7 to address HVAC emergencies.
As a locally based and family-owned business, we take pride in keeping our neighbors’ families comfortable. We have been in business since 1977. NextDoor has named us a Neighborhood Fave.
If you’re thinking about adding a smart thermostat to your Evansville home, contact G. R. Freeman Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. today. We can also help with your indoor air quality needs!
