For those of us that aren’t too tech-savvy, the newest technology in thermostats; mainly smart thermostats, may seem a little overwhelming. Maybe you’re afraid they’re too technical for you. Maybe you just want to stick with what you’re used to – that small, white box hanging on your wall. If any of these scenarios sound like you, it may be time to check out the world of Smart Thermostats. You may be surprised at what you find!
What Is A Smart Thermostat?
Typically, what defines a smart thermostat “as smart” is its ability to control the temperature in your home remotely through a smartphone, tablet, remote control, or by voice. Most smart thermostats don’t stop there. Depending on your preference of features and functions and, of course, budget, you can go where no thermostat has gone before.
So, How Smart Is Smart?
More advanced smart thermostats actually “learn” from your behaviors. Over time, they recognize and remember your regular heating and cooling habits. These are called learning algorithms. They will determine the most appropriate temperature based on the time of year, the time of day, the number of occupants, and previous patterns of use. They can determine temperature for the whole house or per room (each room would need to have a separate sensor).
Advanced smart thermostats can also connect with other devices used in your home. By recognizing and connecting to these devices, the thermostat will know when people are in the home and when people leave the home.
Do Smart Thermostats Save Energy and Money in Chapel Hill, NC?
In short, yes. How much energy and money you save will depend on your lifestyle, the condition of your HVAC system, and the age and condition of your home. You can usually expect most smart thermostats to pay for themselves within the first few years. As mentioned above, smart thermostats can learn your behaviors through learning algorithms. These smart thermostats can be controlled remotely. Take for example; you and your family leaves for vacation, and you forget to set the thermostat back. Instead of having your cooling or heating system running at normal operation; you can use your smart phone to change the temperature. Wow, now isn’t that cool!
Sold On Smart Thermostats?
You have the smart phone and the smart TV. Why not the smart thermostat? It could be the next step in making your home more energy efficient. Call your licensed HVAC technician at Boer Brothers Heating & Cooling to see if a smart thermostat is right for you.