If I have a smartphone and a smartwatch, do I need a smart thermostat? Technological advancements have proven to be extremely useful for HVAC owners. Especially with rising costs, being able to save money on our bills is invaluable. Owning a smart thermostat can do just that!
To fully understand how a smart thermostat can save you money, you need to know what it can do.
What can a Smart Thermostat Do?
A smart thermostat is a thermostat that connects to your smartphone and other devices through a WIFI connection. An available internet connection allows it to perform special tasks and features that would not be possible otherwise.
Let’s take a look at what a smart thermostat can do for you.
The Ultimate Remote Control
Once this pairing is established, your smartphone can work as a remote for your thermostat no matter where you are in the world. Whether you are down the block or across the country, you can set your thermostat to match the current weather.
If the forecast suddenly changes while you’re at work, you don’t have to worry about your energy bill skyrocketing or your sensitive pets cooking in the heat. You can see exactly what the temperature is in your home and program your HVAC system on the spot!
Voice Control
Have you ever wished you could command Jarvis or the Starship Enterprise? With a smart thermostat, you’re one step closer to living that dream! Tell your thermostat what to do through voice commands.
This is a neat feature that can be useful and fun. Many top thermostats can be managed using voice commands like Google Assistant, Alexa, or Siri.
Whether you’re holding a yoga pose or sitting on the couch (and you think it swallowed your cell phone): You can still control your thermostat without touching a button.
Automatic Home vs. Away Programming
If you give it permission, some smart thermostats can use your location to work more efficiently. Others have proximity sensors to detect if you’re home or not. This is incredibly useful for people with unpredictable schedules.
When you don’t work the traditional 9 to 5 every day or like to visit family and friends for hours at a time, you may forget to change the settings on your thermostat. But with a smart thermostat, you don’t have to babysit your heating and cooling.
Many smart thermostats have a feature that can track your location and change settings automatically. Simply program your thermostat through a smartphone app.
Setup what temperature you would like when you are at home and what you want it to be like when you are away. With a little understanding of optimal indoor temperatures and humidity levels, you can program your thermostat to conserve energy every day!
Other Features
Additionally, the best smart thermostats will:
- Sync with other connected devices
- Send you alerts
- Track your energy use
Is a Smart Thermostat Worth It?
Smart thermostats can be expensive. They come in a wide range of prices, and you will need to decide what features matter to you before you make your decision.
In order to reap the benefits of a smart thermostat, you must make use of its features and apply their recommendations.
You can save money on your utility bill by using features like automated home and away modes or proximity sensors and other remote accessories. It’s also possible to significantly reduce your energy consumption if you take the time to analyze the energy use information that smart thermostat providers give.
When you ask yourself, “Do I need a smart thermostat?” it’s important that you consider the features that a smart thermostat provides and determine whether they suit your lifestyle. Someone who works from home and rarely travels may not find a smart thermostat as useful as an individual who works random hours and loves to take vacations out of state.
Installing a Smart Thermostat in Tampa Bay, Florida
Depending on the make and model of your HVAC system, the process of installing a smart thermostat will be different. Before attempting an installation on your own, consult with an HVAC specialist who is trained and licensed to do the job.
There are a few basic procedures that must be followed when installing thermostats, regardless of the type of thermostat or HVAC system being used. If you have any doubts concerning the setup procedure, you should always consult a professional.
A typical installation involves:
- Shutting off the power at the circuit breaker.
- Discarding the old thermostat and attaching the new thermostat’s base plate.
- Connecting the wires to the terminals.
- Attaching the faceplate.
- Turning on your electricity again.
After the thermostat is installed, you’ll need to set up the application on your smartphone or tablet.
If you live in the Tampa Bay area and you are interested in upgrading your HVAC system by installing a smart thermostat, get in touch with the experts at Action Air Conditioning. We can help you to decide what smart thermostat is right for you and professionally install it.