words Alexa Wang
Tired of squinting to read your thermostat? Need a flashlight to tell whether it’s set on heat or air conditioning? It may be time you considered a smart thermostat.
A smart thermostat can save money and energy, and they are easy to control. Some models can handle the heating and cooling of your house virtually by themselves.
Smart Thermostats Save Money
Image via Flickr by nordique
Smart thermostats save you money by making it easier to adjust the temperature in your house and turn down the heat or air conditioning when no one is home. The thermostats can use preset patterns or sense movement in the house and adjust accordingly.
Some models claim energy savings of 10 to 23 percent. A top-of-the-line smart thermostat such as the Nest or Honeywell Lyric costs less than $250, and some cost much less. If your average energy bill is $250 and you saved 10 percent, you’d make your investment back in a year.
The people who would save the most are those who are away from home for long stretches. The house doesn’t need to be set for anyone’s comfort when no one is there.
In addition, smart thermostats help you use less energy. Most models can track how you use energy and give you tips to set up a program to lower your energy use. You can make adjustments and start saving right away.
They Are Easy to Use
What is a smart thermostat and are they easy to use? Tired of dials and the tiny display on your old thermostat? Smart thermostats are easy to use and read. They include bright, well-lit displays.
In addition to sensors that can determine when people are moving in the house, some offer voice control, such as with through an Alexa device. You can simply tell the thermostat what temperature you want. How is that for service?
You may want to contact an HVAC company for the initial installation of the thermostat to ensure it’s in the optimum spot and connected correctly to all devices.
They Are Gadget-Friendly
A big advantage of smart thermostats is that they can be controlled remotely with an app from your smartphone, as long as you have a Wi-Fi connection. If you want to override the settings while you are on vacation, you can do that. Smartphone thermostats for homes are the way forward for many.
Using your smartphone or an app, you can set the house to be the temperature you desire when you get home. Most models can tell you how long it will take to get the house to the temperature you want when you arrive.
Some, such as the Ecobee, have extra room sensors that can adjust the conditions in rooms that tend to be hotter or cooler than the rest of the house. Many can link with smart humidifiers and air purifiers to coordinate the comfort in your home. Other models can track the weather and adjust the house settings in advance.
Ready to swap out your old thermostat? A smart thermostat can save you money, keep your house more comfortable, and make your life easier.
