Smart thermostats are all the rage these days, but many homeowners are confused about what advantages these devices provide besides space-age looks. After all, programmable thermostats can already be set to adjust your home to certain temperatures at particular times of the day. What makes smart thermostats better, and is it worth it to call a Bunn’s and Bennett service technician to install one?
The main difference between a traditional thermostat and a smart thermostat is that a smart thermostat learns your habits over time. Within a few days, it will be able to anticipate when you want your heater turned on and when you’d rather the house cool off. Eventually you’ll be able to count on your thermostat to warm up the house in time for your arrival, and it can shut things down as you’re preparing to leave so it can save energy.
The other principle difference between smart thermostats and simple programmable models is that you can typically control the smart ones with an iOS or Android app on your smart phone. For example, if you’re at work and determine that you’re going to be home later than usual, you can access your thermostat’s controls over a Wi-Fi or cellular connection and tell it not to cool off at 6 p.m., like it normally does.
These thermostats do tend to be more expensive. The most popular smart thermostats installed, will set you back between $300 – $500, while a more conventional programmable thermostat installed runs between $75 – $200 depending on how advanced it is. If you’re in the market for a new thermostat and aren’t sure what type is best for you, give Bunn’s and Bennett a call today and we can provide more details on each.
Will a Smart Thermostat Really Save You Money?
Think about your own usage patterns. The EPA’s Energy Star program concluded that homes with programmable or smart thermostats can save up to $180 per year on heating and cooling, which is a sizable chunk of change. Still, those same savings can be achieved with a more affordable programmable thermostat. If you already have one, a smart thermostat won’t save you a lot more money, aside from showing you what you can optimize to save a few bucks here or there. Similarly, if you’re the type who religiously turns the thermostat off when you leave the house, and then turn it back when you come home, you may be able to get away with a more affordable programmable thermostat instead. You’ll get all the energy savings, without the hassle of adjusting it yourself every day.
However, if you don’t have a programmable model, or if you’re the forgetful type who’ll leave the AC or heater running all day even if you’re not at home, a smart thermostat can really save you money. The self-learning models can take all of the hassle out of managing your home’s temperature, so you can go about your daily business and let the climate in your house take care of itself.
Also, if you’re the type who loves data and loves tweaking systems to improve them, a smart thermostat will definitely save you money on your energy bill. You can check your thermostat’s mobile app to see how much money you’re saving or energy you’re actively using, and use the web apps to plot out how much more you can save if you adjust the temperature by a few degrees here or there.
Bunn’s & Bennett Heating & Air Conditioning
Bunn’s and Bennett is a certified, factory trained, full service HVAC Company located in Huntsville, AL. We have been serving the HVAC needs of the Tennessee Valley for more than 30 years. Call us at 256-536-0967.
