Keeping your Fort Lauderdale residence cozy can require a lot of money. A typical homeowner spends about $172 on monthly energy bills, according to ENERGY STAR®, or approximately $2,060 annually. At least half of that is for heating and cooling.
Many residences have programmable thermostats, but many people don’t bother to use them properly. The process is bothersome, detailed and only offers you a few options for desired temperatures. When your residence stays at an identical setting throughout the day, it consumes gas and electricity and adversely influences your monthly bill.
Smart thermostats pick up on your schedule and regulate the settings to match it. But can installing one really conserve money on heating and cooling? Yes, and here’s why.
Studies Show Smart Thermostats Reduce on Heating and Cooling Costs
Independent studies have determined these devices can produce major savings.
These studies used home utility bills in 41 states before and after adding a Nest smart thermostat. Nest said the study found its thermostats can save up to 12% on heating and 15% on cooling, resulting in an estimated savings of $131 to $145 annually.
With the typical smart thermostat running between $100–$250, those savings can help it pay for itself. And many local energy companies have rebates for smart thermostats since they’re ENERGY STAR® certified.
How Does a Smart Thermostat Work?
After your smart thermostat is put in, you’ll at first program it just like your previous thermostat. You’ll turn it up and down, so the thermostat can determine your wants. Then, it will get to work making a program that helps you save money, whether you’re at your residence or gone. Because it geofences with your smartphone, you won’t have to remember to adjust it when you go or return.
Pros and Cons of Having a Smart Thermostat
Pros
As we covered before, smart thermostats give many pluses to your home and energy expenses, such as:
- No need to program—Your smart thermostat will adjust to your schedule, so you won’t be required to spend time adjusting programs or remember to adjust it.
- Knows when you arrive and take off—Because lots of smart thermostats geofence with your phone, your house will be put into an energy-efficient setting when you leave and be cozy when you return.
- Remote temperature supervision—You’ll be able to keep an eye on your residence’s temperature from virtually any location, thanks to an app on your phone.
- Watch heating and cooling use—Most smart thermostats give in-depth data through their app, such as how long you needed heating and cooling on a particular day.
- Reminders—Certain smart thermostats will remind you of critical maintenance tasks, like when you’re due to change your air filter.
- Additional savings—The majority of local energy companies provide rebates for smart thermostats, so contact with yours for more information.
Cons
However, there’s several things you should take into account when thinking about adding a smart thermostat in your residence:
- Compatibility—Depending on the type and age of your heating and cooling system, a smart thermostat might not work. If you’re unsure, it’s best to check with an HVAC pro like Solar Air Inc. . We also advise having it professionally installed. This ensures that you have the correct number of wires and that it’s hooked up correctly. Some systems don’t have a common wire, which creates compatibility troubles with a smart thermostat. This wire powers your thermostat, so if your residence doesn’t have a C-wire, we can install one.
- Housing situation—If you own your home and are planning to be there for a long time, it’s a smart investment to have a smart thermostat. If you’re thinking about moving in the next year or rent, we advise holding back unless you will take the thermostat with you. If you rent, you’ll typically need to secure your landlord’s permission first prior to adding a new thermostat.
- Cost—Smart thermostats are more expensive than programmable thermostats, and we recommend having yours professionally installed. However, the energy savings over its lifetime can help pay for itself.
- Lifestyle—Does a family member work from home, or is someone often at the house? If that’s the case, you might not see as many savings, but you’ll enjoy the convenience of not being required to program or adjust a thermostat.
Trust Solar Air Inc. for Your Smart Thermostat Needs
At Solar Air Inc. , our number one goal is to keep your home cozy while helping you save on energy costs. If you’re wanting to install a smart thermostat, our professionals can help, from choosing the right model to expert installation. Contact us at 954-320-7398 today to learn more.