Keeping your West Jefferson residence comfy can require a big chunk of change. The usual household spends about $172 on monthly utility expenses, according to ENERGY STAR®, or about $2,060 yearly. At least half of that is for heating and cooling.
Many homes have programmable thermostats, but many people don’t take the trouble to use them properly. The process is bothersome, involved and only provides you a couple of options for desired temperatures. When your residence stays at the same temp throughout the day, it wastes gas and electricity and badly affects your monthly bill.
Smart thermostats adjust to your schedule and change the settings to coordinate it. But can using one really help you spend less money on heating and cooling? Yes, and here’s why.
Studies Show Smart Thermostats Reduce on Heating and Cooling Bills
Independent studies show these devices can produce large savings.
These studies used home energy expenses in 41 states before and after putting in a Nest smart thermostat. Nest said the study determined its thermostats can save up to 12% on heating and 15% on cooling, generating an approximated savings of $131 to $145 each year.
With the average smart thermostat priced between $100–$250, those savings can help it pay for itself. And most local energy companies have rebates for smart thermostats because they’re ENERGY STAR® certified.
How Does a Smart Thermostat Work?
After your smart thermostat is ready to go, you’ll first use it just like your previous thermostat. You’ll switch it up and down, so the thermostat can figure out your desired settings. Then, it will start creating a program that helps you conserve more money, whether you’re at home or away. As it geofences with your smartphone, you won’t have to remember to adjust it when you leave or get back.
Pros and Cons of Getting a Smart Thermostat
Pros
As we mentioned prior, smart thermostats give lots of perks to your house and utility costs, like:
- No need to adjust—Your smart thermostat will learn your schedule, so you won’t need to waste time adjusting programs or remember to change.
- Knows when you get home and go—As lots of smart thermostats geofence with your phone, your residence will go into an energy-efficient setting when you leave and be cozy when you arrive.
- Remote temperature management—You’ll be able to keep an eye on your home’s settings from just about any location, on account of an app on your phone.
- Monitor heating and cooling use—Many smart thermostats provide great data through their app, including how long you required heating and cooling on a particular day.
- Reminders—Some smart thermostats will let you know about important maintenance tasks, such as when it’s time to get a new air filter.
- Added savings—Most local energy companies have rebates for smart thermostats, so contact with yours for more information.
Cons
However, there’s a few points you should take into account when thinking about installing a smart thermostat in your home:
- Compatibility—Depending 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 West Jefferson Plumbing and Heating, Inc.. We also suggest having it professionally installed. This guarantees that you have the proper number of wires and that it’s linked right. Some systems don’t include a common wire, which causes compatibility problems with a smart thermostat. This wire energizes your thermostat, so if your house doesn’t have a C-wire, we can add one.
- Housing situation—If you own your home and want to be there for years, it’s a good investment to get a smart thermostat. If you’re planning to move in the next year or rent, we recommend delaying unless you want to take the thermostat with you. If you rent, you’ll often need to get your landlord’s permission first ahead of getting a new thermostat.
- Cost—Smart thermostats are more expensive than programmable thermostats, and we suggest having yours professionally installed. However, the energy savings over time can help pay for itself.
- Lifestyle—Does a family member work from home, or is someone frequently at the house? If that’s your situation, you might not see as large of savings, but you’ll have the perks of not having to program or adjust a thermostat.
Rely on West Jefferson Plumbing and Heating, Inc. for Your Smart Thermostat Needs
At West Jefferson Plumbing and Heating, Inc., our number one goal is to keep your residence cozy while helping you conserve more energy expenses. If you’re wanting to install a smart thermostat, our professionals can help, from picking the best model to expert installation. Call us at 614-879-9091 today to learn more.