Smart thermostats have become increasingly popular in recent years, as they offer a convenient way to save money and energy while also providing greater control over your home’s heating and cooling systems.
In this blog post, we’ll take a look at what smart thermostats are, how they work, and some tips on how to use them to save money and energy.
How a smart thermostat works
A smart thermostat is a device that connects to your home’s HVAC system and allows you to control the temperature from your smartphone, tablet, or computer. It can also be controlled using voice commands, if you have smart speakers with virtual assistant like Alexa or Google Home. These devices use sensors to detect the temperature in your home, and can automatically adjust the temperature to your desired setting.
Some smart thermostats can also be programmed to adjust the temperature based on your schedule, so you can save energy when you’re away from home or asleep.
Older thermostats back in the day were simply units with On and Off switches and a dial to adjust the temperature and perhaps the fan. Any time you wanted to change the temperature or fan setting, you had to do it manually.
Smart thermostats offer convenience but also enable you to take advantage of automation which leads to energy and costs savings for you.
How a smart thermostat benefits you
One of the main benefits of a smart thermostat is that it can help you save money on your energy
bills. By automatically adjusting the temperature based on your schedule, a smart thermostat can prevent you from wasting energy when you’re not home or when you’re asleep. Additionally, many smart thermostats allow you to set a “away” mode, which automatically adjusts the temperature to a more energy-efficient setting when you’re away from home.
Another benefit of smart thermostats is that they allow you to monitor your energy usage and make adjustments to save money. Most smart thermostats come with a companion app that allows you to view your energy usage and make changes to your settings. This can be a great way to identify areas where you’re using more energy than you need to, and make changes to save money.
Before you purchase a smart thermostat
If you’re considering purchasing a smart thermostat, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, you’ll need to make sure that your HVAC system is compatible with the thermostat you’re considering.
Additionally, you’ll want to think about the features that are important to you, such as the ability to control the thermostat from your smartphone or voice commands.
Finally, before you purchase anything, check with your local electricity provider to see if they have a recommended brand or if they offer a special price for a particular one. They may even help with installation as smart thermostats are typically hard-wired and may need to be installed by a qualified pro.
Tips to best use a smart thermostat in your home
- Set a schedule: Program your thermostat to match your daily routine. This will ensure that your home is comfortable when you’re there and energy-efficient when you’re not.
- Use the “away” mode: When you’re away from home, set the thermostat to an energy-saving temperature.
- Adjust the temperature when you’re sleeping: Lower the temperature at night to save energy and make it more comfortable to sleep. Saves on energy costs too.
- Use the smart features: Many smart thermostats come with additional features such as remote access, geofencing and integration with other smart home devices.
- Regularly check the filters: Make sure to change your disposable furnace filter or clean your washable furnace filter regularly to ensure the system runs efficiently. While the smart thermostat automates a number of things it doesn’t automate a quick swap of furnace filters 3-4 times per year or as required. You’ll need to do this yourself but it’s a quick job. Follow the instructions on the filter but in general terms the filters are labeled to slot in according to air flow direction.
- Take advantage of the Smart home integrations: Some thermostats can be integrated with other smart home devices like Amazon Alexa, Google Home, etc. This allows you to control the thermostat with voice commands or schedule changes via your smart home devices.
- Take advantage of time of use electricity: If you pay less for electricity during off peak hours and more during peak hours and if your home uses electricity to heat, try if possible to adjust the heating even a few degrees to take advantage of off peak pricing and avoid the higher charge times. Make sure you dress warmly during the winter when indoors to help keep the heating costs down.
Summary
In conclusion, smart thermostats offer a convenient way to save money and energy while also providing greater control over your home’s heating and cooling systems. By automatically adjusting the temperature based on your schedule, a smart thermostat can help you save money on your energy bills, and by monitoring your energy usage, you can make adjustments to save even more.
If you’re considering purchasing a smart thermostat, be sure to research the options available and choose a device that is compatible with your HVAC system and meets your needs.