Smart thermostats have become increasingly popular in recent years, with many homeowners looking for ways to improve their home’s energy efficiency and save money on their energy bills. But are smart thermostats really worth the investment?
In this article, we will explore the features and benefits of smart thermostats, as well as some of the disadvantages and common questions people have about them.
What Is a Smart Thermostat?
A smart thermostat is a device that connects to your home’s heating & cooling systems allowing you to control the temperature remotely through an app on your smartphone/tablet. (1) It also includes advanced features such as learning your habits and preferences to automatically adjust the temperature to your liking.
How Does a Smart Thermostat Differ From a Regular Thermostat?
A regular thermostat allows you to manually adjust the temperature in your home, but it doesn’t offer any advanced features or remote control capabilities.
A smart thermostat, on the other hand, can learn your habits & preferences turning your home into a smart home by offering automation. How? It automatically adjusts the temperature, and can be controlled remotely through an app on your smartphone or tablet.
How Do Smart Thermostats Work?
Smart thermostats work by connecting to your home’s heating and cooling systems and using sensors to detect changes in temperature and humidity. They can even learn your habits & preferences over time, adjusting the temperature to your liking & detecting when you are away from home to adjust the temperature accordingly.
Smart Thermostat Features
Smart thermostats come with a range of features that make them more advanced than traditional thermostats. Some of these features include:
- Learning your habits and preferences to automatically adjust the temperature
- Detecting when you are away from home to adjust the temperature accordingly
- Allowing you to control the temperature remotely through an app on your smartphone or tablet
- Providing energy usage reports and suggestions for how to reduce your energy usage
- Integrating with other smart home devices, such as smart speakers and security systems
Remote Control from Your Phone
One of the most significant advantages of smart thermostats is the ability to control the temperature remotely through an app on your smartphone or tablet. This means that you can adjust the temperature from anywhere, whether you’re at work, on vacation, or just lounging on the couch.
Remote control also allows you to turn on your heating or cooling system before you get home. This ensures that your home is at the perfect temperature when you arrive. It can also help you save money by allowing you to adjust the temperature when you’re away from home, so you’re not wasting energy on heating or cooling an empty house.
How Smart Thermostats Might Save You Money
Smart thermostats can save homeowners money in a few different ways. First, they can optimize your heating and cooling systems to maximize energy efficiency, reducing your overall energy usage and lowering your energy bills.
Second, smart thermostats can detect when you are away from home & adjust the temperature accordingly, so you’re not wasting energy on heating or cooling an empty house. This can help you save money on your energy bills and reduce your overall carbon footprint.
Finally, some energy companies offer rebates and incentives for homeowners who install smart thermostats, which can help offset the upfront costs of the device.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, a smart thermostat can save homeowners an average of 10% to 12% on their heating bills and 15% on their cooling bills (2). Over time, these savings can add up significantly and make the investment in a smart thermostat well worth it.
Disadvantages of Using a Smart Thermostat
While smart thermostats offer a range of benefits, there are some disadvantages to consider as well.
May Require Professional Installation
Smart thermostats may require professional installation, especially if you have an older home with outdated wiring. This can add to the upfront costs of the device, as professional installation can cost anywhere from $50 to $250 or more (3). However, some newer models of smart thermostats are designed for easy installation and can be done without professional help.
Costs More Up Front than a Traditional Thermostat
Another disadvantage of smart thermostats is that they can cost more upfront than traditional thermostats. The price of a smart thermostat can range from $100 to $300 or more, depending on the brand and features (4). However, as mentioned earlier, some energy companies offer rebates and incentives for homeowners who install smart thermostats, which can help offset the upfront costs of the device.
Saves More in the Long Run
Despite the upfront costs, it’s important to keep in mind that smart thermostats can save homeowners money in the long run by optimizing energy usage and reducing energy bills. According to a study by Nest Labs, homeowners who installed a Nest Learning Thermostat saw an average savings of 10% to 12% on their heating bills and 15% on their cooling bills. Over time, these savings can add up and make the investment in a smart thermostat well worth it.
People Also Ask
Does a smart thermostat make a difference?
Yes, a smart thermostat can make a significant difference in your home’s energy efficiency and your overall energy bills. By optimizing your heating & cooling systems and detecting when you are away from home, a smart thermostat can help reduce your energy usage and save you money.
Can smart thermostats ruin your furnace?
No, smart thermostats cannot ruin your furnace. In fact, they can help optimize your heating and cooling systems and extend the life of your furnace by reducing the overall wear and tear on the system.
If someone is home all the time, is a smart thermostat worth having?
Even if someone is home all the time, a smart thermostat can still be worth having. It can learn your habits and preferences to automatically adjust the temperature, and can detect when you are away from home to adjust the temperature accordingly. Plus, remote control capabilities allow you to adjust the temperature from anywhere, ensuring that your home is always at the perfect temperature.
In conclusion, smart thermostats offer a range of benefits for homeowners looking to improve their home’s energy efficiency and save money on their energy bills. While there are some upfront costs to consider, the long-term savings and advanced features make the investment in a smart thermostat well worth it. As with any home improvement project, it’s important to do your research and consider your specific needs before making a purchase.
Sources:
[1] https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/thermostats
[2] https://www.thespruce.com/cost-to-install-a-thermostat-4770633
[3] https://www.consumerreports.org/smart-thermostats/how-to-choose-a-smart-thermostat/