Smart Thermostats Starting at $175 Installed

WHAT IS A SMART THERMOSTAT?

A smart thermostat is run wirelessly or via Wi-Fi, so it’s often called a wireless thermostat or Wi-Fi thermostat. Taking digital technology to the next level, the thermostat can be controlled via your computer, tablet, or smartphone. Built-in movement detectors are often included, and sense when people are at or away from home to control heating and cooling. A smart thermostat can learn the habits of people in your household to determine individual preferences and create a schedule.

The benefits of this technology include

1. ENERGY EFFICIENCY

When programmed around your schedule, a smart thermostat provides automatic adjustment of your HVAC system. It can manage the best settings without you touching a single button. The thermostat can turn the system down when you’re away from home, leave off the A/C at certain times, and maintain an optimal temperature for you. This is a great way to control your energy bills.

Study results released by Nest in 2015 showed installing the Nest Learning Thermostat can yield 10% to 12% in energy cost savings for heating and 15% for cooling. In 2013, thermostat and smart home device manufacturer ecobee said its customers saved up to 23% on heating and cooling costs.

2. TRACK ENERGY USAGE

Many smart thermostats help track energy used in your home. Monthly energy reports can be viewed on the smart device’s online portal, so you can track usage trends just by logging in. The report can even compare your energy usage to other users of the same system. You can use this information to determine how your HVAC system is using energy, take measures to lower energy consumption, and reduce usage and energy costs.

3. REMOTE TEMPERATURE ADJUSTMENT

You don’t have to be home to adjust the thermostat. Whether you’re at work or out for the evening, you can log into the thermostat app at any time. If staying out later, reset the AC to start cooling later; if coming home early, turn on the air conditioner or adjust the cooling schedule accordingly. You can even set temperatures higher when you’re on a vacation. The thermostat can alert you if home temperature rises or falls below set limits, so you can monitor your HVAC system in case of any maintenance issues.

4. EASY TO USE & PROGRAM

A built-in touchscreen features a user-friendly layout, so it’s easy to read and control. The thermostat automatically applies the controls you set, but it can also learn your movement patterns and those of others in your household via specialized sensors. Some models accept voice commands, while others track weather conditions to automatically make the appropriate adjustments.

5. COMPATIBLE WITH OTHER SMART DEVICES

Smart thermostats are often compatible with digital assistants and their voice command functions, such as Amazon Alexa. Some can work with smart humidifiers and air purifiers. Connectivity with devices such as smart locks, cameras, and garage door openers, or even your car, combined with geofencing technology, enables the thermostat to adjust climate settings before you get home.