Keeping your Haines City house comfy can require a big chunk of change. The average homeowner spends about $172 on monthly heating and cooling costs, according to ENERGY STAR®, or about $2,060 annually. At least half of that is consumed by heating and cooling.
The majority of houses rely on programmable thermostats, but most people don’t take the trouble to use them properly. The process is annoying, complicated and only offers you a few options for temperature settings. When your home remains at an identical setting throughout the day, it consumes energy and badly influences your monthly costs.
Smart thermostats learn from your routine and adjust the temp to match it. But can installing one really help you spend less money on heating and cooling? Yes, and here’s why.
Studies Show Smart Thermostats Decrease on Energy Expenses
Independent studies have determined these devices can result in big savings.
These studies used home heating and cooling costs in 41 states before and after putting in a Nest smart thermostat. Nest said the study found its thermostats can save up to 12% on heating and 15% on cooling, resulting in an approximated savings of $131 to $145 annually.
With the typical smart thermostat costing between $100–$250, those savings can help it pay for itself. And most local energy companies offer rebates for smart thermostats since they’re ENERGY STAR® certified.
How Does a Smart Thermostat Work?
After your smart thermostat is installed, you’ll first use it just like your old thermostat. You’ll switch it up and down, so the thermostat can determine your desired settings. Then, it will start creating a program that helps you spend less money, whether you’re at home or out and about. As it geofences with your smartphone, you won’t have to remember to adjust it when you go or come back.
Pros and Cons of Getting a Smart Thermostat
Pros
As we mentioned prior, smart thermostats give many advantages to your residence and utility bill, such as:
- No need to adjust—Your smart thermostat will pick up on your routine, so you won’t be required to use up time setting programs or remember to adjust it.
- Knows when you arrive and leave—Because a lot of smart thermostats geofence with your phone, your residence will go into an energy-efficient setting when you go and be comfy when you get back.
- Remote temperature supervision—You’ll be able to keep an eye on your house’s temperature from just about any location, on account of an app on your phone.
- Watch heating and cooling use—Most smart thermostats offer detailed data through their app, such as how long you required heating and cooling on a specific day.
- Reminders—Certain smart thermostats will alert you to crucial maintenance tasks, like when you’re due to put in a new air filter.
- Extra savings—The majority of local energy companies have rebates for smart thermostats, so contact with yours for more info.
Cons
In spite of that, there’s several points you should take into account when considering adding a smart thermostat in your house:
- Compatibility—Based on the type and age of your heating and cooling system, a smart thermostat might not work. If you don’t know, it’s recommended to check with an HVAC professional like Air Commander's Heating & Air Conditioning Co.. We also advise having it professionally installed. This guarantees that you have the correct number of wires and that it’s hooked up correctly. Some systems don’t include a common wire, which leads to compatibility troubles with a smart thermostat. This wire runs your thermostat, so if your residence doesn’t have a C-wire, we can put one in.
- Housing situation—If you own your house and are planning to be there for many years, it’s a good investment to have a smart thermostat. If you plan to move in the next year or rent, we advise holding back unless you plan to take the thermostat with you. If you rent, you’ll usually need to get your landlord’s permission first before installing a new thermostat.
- Cost—Smart thermostats are more expensive than programmable thermostats, and we recommend having yours professionally installed. However, the energy savings over its lifetime can help pay for itself.
- Lifestyle—Does a family member work from home, or is someone regularly at the house? If that’s the case, you might not see as many savings, but you’ll get the convenience of not needing to program or adjust a thermostat.
Rely on Air Commander's Heating & Air Conditioning Co. for Your Smart Thermostat Needs
At Air Commander's Heating & Air Conditioning Co., our top goal is to keep your home comfy while helping you spend less utility costs. If you’re wanting to install a smart thermostat, our specialists can help, from choosing the right model to expert installation. Call us at 863-216-2923 today to learn more.