Smart Thermostats Save Money on Energy Bills
Technology is constantly advancing and it is transferring into homes all over the world. A piece of technology in the home that has greatly improved over the last few years is the thermostat. For as long as most people can remember, when you wanted to change the temperature in the house you had to manually change it. With advanced technology that is no longer the case! Smart thermostats make controlling the temperature in your home easier than ever, but most importantly, using these devices helps you save money on energy costs!
WHAT IS A SMART THERMOSTAT?
So, what is a smart thermostat? A smart thermostat is a Wi-Fi-enabled thermostat that allows you to connect with your smart devices, such as your phone, tablet, and computer so that you can remotely change the temperature setting anywhere, allowing for convenience and full control over your home’s energy settings. The smart thermostat is meant to be convenient, so you can remotely change the temperature from your smart device. Though not all smart thermostats are the same, there are a variety of features that can be found with some models that add to the convenience and energy savings.
Some smart thermostats can learn your temperature preferences and make a schedule based on those preferences. These smart thermostats can also be equipped with a feature that has knowledge of the weather conditions outside and will adjust your unit to the conditions for that day. Additionally, these smart thermostats can be equipped with a feature known as geofencing. This feature will set up a geofence radius around your home and will adjust the temperature inside your home based on the proximity of the smart device.
Smart thermostats can also give you feedback on the consequences of your settings and the effects on your energy bill. According to Energy Star, individuals with a smart thermostat could see savings up to around $100 a year if used properly. This adds up!
HOW TO CHOOSE ONE
When choosing a smart thermostat make sure it is compatible with your HVAC system. According to Energy Star, there are a couple of things to keep in mind when thinking about compatibility. To start, some systems are just not compatible. These systems are baseboard heaters, in-wall heaters, and biofuels. HVAC systems installed after 1975 are usually compatible with most smart thermostats. If your HVAC system is variable speed, multi-stage, or zoned for different areas of your home it will require professional expertise to have a thermostat installed that will handle the systems. For a home that has an oil boiler or a furnace, an adapter might be needed.
Wires and voltage also play a role in compatibility. Smart thermostats use low-voltage wiring. Most smart thermostats need a common wire to provide constant power to the system from the HVAC control board. A quick way to get an idea if your HVAC system is going to be compatible with smart thermostats on the market is to remove your old thermostat cover. If the wires are thick for line-voltage control, then your system is likely not compatible.
KNOW YOUR OPTIONS AND REBATES
If you are ready to take control of your heating and cooling costs, look into smart thermostats and see which one is right for you. The price of a smart thermostat varies depending on what unit you choose. You can go onto Energy Star’s website at https://www.energystar.gov/ to find a smart thermostat with the features you want! There are rebates for smart thermostats and the best way to find out is to contact your local Energy Advisor.
Clinton, Essex, & Hamilton
Carson Schweinsberg
315-816-8677
cns68@cornell.edu
