Have you considered upgrading your thermostat? As homes get smarter, smart thermostats are becoming the standard for controlling heating and cooling systems. Beyond basic programmability, these Wi-Fi enabled devices optimize energy use while keeping your home comfortable.
I‘ll overview what to know about smart thermostats along with 8 great reasons to take the plunge! I‘ll also compare top-rated models to help find your perfect fit. Let‘s dive in!
What Are Smart Thermostats and How Do They Work?
Smart thermostats connect your home‘s HVAC system to the internet for finer temperature control. They combine physical hardware with smart software and internet connectivity to optimize efficiency:
Hardware – User interface with touch display, sensors to detect occupancy and temperature
Software – Built-in logic and algorithms to understand usage patterns and automate schedules
Connectivity – Built-in Wi-Fi to connect with apps and pull weather data for decision making
Instead of relying on rigid and imperfect homeowner-programmed schedules, smart thermostats learn patterns and automatically adjust heating/cooling accordingly. This saves energy when residents are sleeping or away while ensuring desired temperatures when home.
Smart Thermostat Adoption Rising Rapidly
Smart thermostat shipments to US households have skyrocketed from just over 1 million units in 2014 to over 15 million projected for 2022, according to Statista. What‘s driving this rapid growth?
Energy Savings – Households can save 10% on annual energy bills, recovering costs over 2 years
Utility Company Rebates – Many offer $100+ rebates on qualifying smart thermostats
Expanded Model Lines – Major players like Ecobee, Nest, and Honeywell lead the market
Enhanced Features – Models add sensors, touch displays, automation with other devices
Environmental Benefits – Conserving energy reduces one‘s carbon footprint
Have these trends convinced you to take a closer look? First, let‘s look at 8 great reasons to upgrade to a smart thermostat this year!
8 Benefits of Upgrading to a Smart Thermostat
1. Reduce Heating & Cooling Costs
On average, U.S. households spend over $2,000 annually on energy bills. Heating and cooling accounts for roughly half in many homes. By optimizing run times, smart thermostats can trim 10% or more from this figure.
For example, a home upgrading from a programmable to smart thermostat may save $100+ per year. Consider that over 5 years the device pays for itself and continues providing ample comfort and conveniences!
2. Sleek, User-Friendly Interface
While programmable thermostats made some efficiency gains, smart models provide a modern upgrade in many ways. Their user experience starts with attractive wide touchscreens.
Whether adjusting temperatures, scheduling vacation modes, or reviewing usage, these displays make interaction seamless. Compared to hunting through complex menus on older models, smart thermostats feel downright fun to control.
Touchscreens make smart thermostats intuitive to use for comfort and efficiency.
3. Integration With Smart Home Ecosystems
For homes with other web-connected products like voice assistants, security systems, or lighting – smart thermostats complete the ecosystem.
Top models allow control via home hubs like Alexa or Google Home for voice adjustments. They also automate with sensors, humidifiers, fans and more for balanced comfort.
Choosing an option matching your home ecosystem prevents using multiple apps or learning new interfaces. Your home‘s brain can synchronize everything!
4. Geofencing Automatically Adjusts When Away
One smart thermostat feature your programmable model lacks? Automatic temperature adjustments when residents leave or return.
Using your connected smartphone‘s location, the thermostat engages a special Away mode when everyone leaves. Once returning home, resting temperatures give way to comfort settings again.
This automation removes the need to constantly fiddle with schedules. Any forgotten manual temperature tweaks won‘t waste energy either.
5. Monitor Performance and Savings
Ever wonder exactly how much energy your heating or cooling uses daily or monthly? Smart thermostats provide highly detailed tracking into comfort system usage.
Access runtime reports showing heating/cooling activation trends over days, weeks or years. You can also compare outdoor weather conditions to understand performance better. Observe how tweaks impact energy use over time.
For households looking to trim utility costs, smart thermostats provide the insight needed to meet goals. Checking the app also allows near-real time monitoring when away from home.
6. Ensure Proper System Maintenance
A smart thermostat looks out for your HVAC system too. Models like the Emerson Sensi feature reminders when it‘s time to replace air filters.
Other options track runtime hours and suggest yearly check-ins to keep systems running their best. This prevents neglected maintenance from reducing efficiency or shortening equipment lifespan.
7. Control From Anywhere, Anytime
Misremember to lower the heat before leaving town? With smart thermostat apps, easily correct the issue from afar. Whether out of town or in bed, temperature tweaks take seconds.
These devices also allow programming unique settings for weekends, vacations or holidays. Even manually override automated schedules temporarily with a couple taps if unexpected schedule changes arise.
8. Ongoing Features and Updates
Unlike traditional thermostats, smart models continue advancing after installation. Companies issue software updates bringing new capabilities over time.
As an example, Nest thermostats recently added Eco Temperature Schedule. By nudging setpoints up or down a few degrees based on small comfort trade-offs, it saves additional energy.
Ongoing improvements ensure your smart thermostat gets smarter in the years following installation.
Smart Thermostat Product Comparisons
If you‘re now ready to buy, let‘s compare a few popular smart thermostat options:
As visible above, higher-priced models generally pack richer feature sets. You also can‘t go wrong with an affordable Amazon Smart Thermostat for smart basics. Use the factors above to narrow selections catering to your home infrastructure, interface preferences and automation goals.
Start Automating Your Comfort System!
Beyond simple programmability, smart thermostats usher HVAC systems firmly into the 21st century! I encourage you to consider joining the over 15 million American households projected to adopt one this year.
You‘ll enjoy smarter comfort, enhanced control, and utility savings for years to come. Added automation also reduces headaches programming traditional thermostats.
To recap, here are 8 great reasons to upgrade to a smart thermostat:
- Reduce Heating & Cooling Costs
- Sleek, User-Friendly Interface
- Integration With Smart Home Ecosystems
- Geofencing Automatically Adjusts When Away
- Monitor Performance and Savings
- Ensure Proper System Maintenance
- Control From Anywhere, Anytime
- Ongoing Features and Updates
Have any other questions before taking the plunge? Don‘t hesitate to ask below! I‘m happy to provide buying tips so you find the perfect smart upgrade enhancing comfort and efficiency.
